23rd Annual Night of a Thousand GOwns

Images Courtesy Night of a Thousand Gowns
Story by Joseph Alexiou

This coming Saturday March 21, the Imperial Court of New York will host the 23rd Annual Night of a Thousand Gowns—an over-the-top charity event and silent auction benefiting LIFEbeat (an AIDS fighting campaign led by the music industry, and to benefit Sylvia's Place (the MCCNY Homeless Youth Services).

Over 1,000 people will attend the night, which is considered "community service with a  flair,"  and its "outrageous glamour" is a one of the most highly regarded in the queer NYC social scene. Although drag will be most prominently featured, the fashions at the event run from tuxedos and tails to ladies in gowns, regardless of gender—an evening of looks is the ultimate promise. In procession will be over 160 "court members" participating in events, who raise money throughout the year through various entertainment channels like sales, club shows, and kareoke.

Appearing at the event will be Grammy winner Michelle Williams singing "We Break the Dawn," along with Broadway stars Christopher Sieber, Lea DeLaria; further singing by Billie Ray Martin, cabaret artist John DeMarco, and Lucas Silveira of the Clicks. Finalists from RuPaul's Drag Race will include Rebecca Glasscock, Nina Flowers, and Bebe Zahara Benet. The "Honorary Chairs" will include Sir Elton John, Patti LuPone, Joan Rivers, Idina Menzel, John Cameron Mitchell (of Hedwig and Shortbus fame) and Dame Robin Strasser.

This weekend is a wonderful one to be in New York: Spring is alive and on everyone's mind, doubtless all five boroughs will be bouncing with activity—come join the revelry! 

Images Courtesy Night of a Thousand Gowns
Story by Joseph Alexiou

This coming Saturday March 21, the Imperial Court of New York will host the 23rd Annual Night of a Thousand Gowns—an over-the-top charity event and silent auction benefiting LIFEbeat (an AIDS fighting campaign led by the music industry, and to benefit Sylvia's Place (the MCCNY Homeless Youth Services).

Over 1,000 people will attend the night, which is considered "community service with a  flair,"  and its "outrageous glamour" is a one of the most highly regarded in the queer NYC social scene. Although drag will be most prominently featured, the fashions at the event run from tuxedos and tails to ladies in gowns, regardless of gender—an evening of looks is the ultimate promise. In procession will be over 160 "court members" participating in events, who raise money throughout the year through various entertainment channels like sales, club shows, and kareoke.

 Appearing at the event will be Grammy winner Michelle Williams singing "We Break the Dawn," along with Broadway stars Christopher Sieber, Lea DeLaria; further singing by Billie Ray Martin, cabaret artist John DeMarco, and Lucas Silveira of the Clicks. Finalists from RuPaul's Drag Race will include Rebecca Glasscock, Nina Flowers, and Bebe Zahara Benet. The "Honorary Chairs" will include Sir Elton John, Patti LuPone, Joan Rivers, Idina Menzel, John Cameron Mitchell (of Hedwig and Shortbus fame) and Dame Robin Strasser.

This weekend is a wonderful one to be in New York: Spring is alive and on everyone's mind, doubtless all five boroughs will be bouncing with activity—come join the revelry!