Looking back on the last several evenings of entertainment I’ve written about, I’ve nodded off during most. As a girl on the go, uptempo seems to work best. For me, relaxing in a warm, dimly-lit space with mood music, no matter how beautifully performed, leads to unexpected cat-naps.

Wouldn’t you know, I fell out at least three times during the star-studded Richmond/Ermet AIDS Foundation Help Is on the Way benefit last night, August 3, at the Palace of Fine Arts. How embarrassing! Thank goodness the darkened theatre allowed me to doze unnoticed.

Don’t blame the talent or the event. Featuring a V.I.P. pre-performance reception, silent auction fundraiser and posh after-show dessert meet-and-greet with most of the celebrities involved, REAF truly presents one of the most elegant nights of entertainment and fundraising in town. Now in its 14th year, this was my third or fourth Help Is on the Way benefit. (I seem to have lost count.)

Drawing the pinnacle of San Francisco society to witness a spectacular line-up of performers, the 2008 edition revisited the popular “Blame It on the Movies” theme from last year. While the performances are generally pretty fabulous, I’ll be honest. “Hob-nobbing” with the upper crust bores me to tears. The part I love best is accosting the stars in the lobby after-the-fact to snap photos!

Continue reading "'Help Is on the Way' Brings Out the Stars" »

Posted by Pollo Del Mar at 10:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Boy, am I glad I made it to last night’s San Francisco stop on Jay Brannan’s “Fat Is a Feeling…Not a Shape” concert tour!

Having never seen Shortbus, the John Cameron Mitchell movie which brought the openly-gay performer to national recognition last year, I wasn’t familiar with his film or musical contributions. After catching his show, obviously, I’m much more in the know. Yet, as amusing as I found the New York actor/singer/songwriter, he’s not even the reason I’m glad I made it to Bottom of the Hill.

Call me crazy, but I believe things happen for a reason and, in turn, can kick off a whole series of unforeseen events. When you are able to sit back and enjoy the domino affect, life makes for an interesting adventure. At least that’s consistently been my experience, and last night supports the theory.

Yesterday when I bought that brand new bottle of Spirit Gum – the sticky substance which allows me to make my eyebrows just perfect -- I had no idea it would inspire me to get in drag for a concert I wasn’t even that inclined to attend. Being painted like I was straight from the trailer park opened me to conversations with people I might never have otherwise met.

In an interesting turn of events, that landed my drag daughter Sandra O. Noshi-Di’n’t and me at Orphan Andy’s for 2 a.m. cheesecake and a chat with Tomas, the new friend we rescued from a potentially tragic hook-up. But really, that’s getting ahead of the story. After all, for the 100, maybe even 150 – probably more – crowding Bottom of the Hill last night, Jay Brannan was the highlight of the evening.

Continue reading "Soundtrack to My Night By Jay Brannan" »

Posted by Pollo Del Mar at 03:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Given its hype, I initially refused to watch American Idol. Something about me always resists societal pressures, at least temporarily. In this case, it was just long enough to miss the crowning of a superstar -- Season I winner Kelly Clarkson.

Later, I became an Idol junkie. Between Simon’s scathing (frequently dead-on) commentary, Paula’s obvious lapses in sanity, sobriety and, quite often, consciousness, and let’s not forget the actual talent, the show unquestionably combines must-see TV moments and must-hear performances. I was glued to my TV in shock and dismay when spastic, silver-haired Joe Cocker knock-off Taylor Hicks claimed Season IV. Season V winner, today’s undisputed country queen Carrie Underwood, brought sweet vindication.

And don't overlook the ‘upsets.’ Every time Chris Daughtry racks up another gold record, I want to say, “Told ya so!” Remember Season III, when amazing LaToya London was sent home to Oakland in favor of sweet-but-forgettable Jasmine Trias? How can anyone forget eventual Dreamgirls Oscar-winner Jennifer Hudson, eliminated seventh that same year? (No, seriously, how can we forget? It’s mentioned every time she is!)

I’m still appalled by Idol blatantly screwing Season VI finalist Blake Lewis, whose reworking of Bon Jovi’s “You Give Love a Bad Name” remains the franchise’s most original and brilliant piece of music yet. While I was fairly certain Lewis would not win, his fate was sealed when forced to perform “This Is My Now,” that stink-bomb ballad obviously written with Jordin Sparks in mind. For shame!

While I couldn't tell you a thing about Season VII, because I didn't watch, the Idol moments I remember least are from Season II. In fact, I barely remember the season at all! Do me a favor, will you, and not tell my new friends, Season II finalists Trenyce and Rickey Smith?

Continue reading "'Idol' Musings & In Concert" »

Posted by Pollo Del Mar at 11:05 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)