The Very Best of NYC Special and Upcoming Events

Night Of a Thousand Stevies, Young Trail Blazer Benefit Gala, Pride Run and more!

-SPECIAL EVENTS-

This May Day (May 1) Jackie Factory NYC presents their 19th Annual Night of a Thousand Stevies: Songs Of Rhiannon at the Highline Ballroom.  This year features a stellar lineup of Dragstars (think: celesbians of the NYC drag scene) and focuses on the ten “Songs of Rhiannon” penned by Nicks in her Buckingham Nicks days.  The night of Stevie’s falls on the pagan holiday of Beltane, and honors the Celtic white witch Rhiannon, with stage décor, visuals and costuming. Suggested dress includes all things witchy, maiden or tambourine related.  See mother.com/stevie for the full list of performers and attire suggestions.

Live Out Loud is hosting their 8th Annual Young Trailblazer Benefit Gala on Apr 27 at the Chelsea Art Museum.  Live Out Loud is a non-profit dedicated to connecting LGBT youth to leaders in the community through events and programs, and will award their Youth Scholarship to youth who have made significant contributions to society by Living Out Loud.

Back again with their seasonal festivities are the folks at SAGE, with Spring Fever, on Apr 26 at the Opera Club.  As usual this event promises something for everyone, with musical stylings of DJ Nancy B, a live performance by Rhythm Locura, and the popular Dance Raffle with sizable cash and other prizes. You wont need a date as SAGE goes out of their way to make sure singles, couples or groups will be comfortable at the event.

-UPCOMING-

On May 20 at the Highline Ballroom is BETTY, the “full-on female” fronted pop rock band that has been kicking musical ass since 1986.  Known for their outspoken activism for equal rights, this crew has performed in just about every circumstance you can imagine, from superstar-studded concerts (James Brown, Patti LaBelle) to television and even their own Off-Broadway production.  With countless albums under their belts, experience is something this band has in spades, and their upcoming show will undoubtedly sell out, so don’t delay if you want a ticket.

With Pride just around the corner, there are plenty of reasons to get your body into tip-top shape.  The New York Front Runners will be hosting their 28th Annual Pride Run on June 27, a five-mile race in Central Park.  With cash prizes for the top male and female finishers, this race brings out some stiff competition.  NYFR are always looking for volunteers to assist with their events, so if you don’t fancy yourself a runner, you could always lend a hand and get some prime viewing of the able-bodied contenders.  For more information see the Front Runners New York website at frny.org.

On May 2, Times Square will be taken over by the 12th Annual EIF Revlon Run/Walk for Women, which will include a Health Expo and 5K Run/Walk to raise money and awareness for the battle in eliminating women’s cancers.  40,000 participants are expected to hit the trail that begins in Times Square and concludes in Central Park with a commemorative survivor photoshoot.  For more information see revlonrunwalk.com.

Another important walk taking place in Central Park is the AIDS Walk, on May 17, which raises money and awareness for Gay Men’s Health Crisis in the fight against AIDS.  The Center has a team you can join (with tickets from American Airlines for the walker who raises the most money) or you can form a team of your own.  See aidswalk.net for information about the race or gaycenter.org/aidswalk for information on the Center’s team.

NewFest: The New York LGBT Film Festival is returning Jun 4-11 at the new SVA Theaters, and promises to be packed full of the best talent.  Each year the festival brings the most comprehensive showcases of LGBT films from all across the world.  Last year’s festival highlighted over 60 feature films and countless shorts and programs for filmmakers.  If you want to show support and perhaps score yourself some free tickets, you can volunteer by contacting them through their website,


What Do You Think?