Arts & Entertainment
Cyndi Lauper announces line-up for 9th annual concert to benefit homeless youth
Grammy, Emmy and Tony-winning icon and advocate Cyndi Lauper has announced the lineup for her 9th annual Cyndi Lauper & Friends: Home for the Holidays benefit concert, presented by Marriott International and AEG.
The event will take place in Los Angeles for the first time ever at The Novo at L.A. Live on December 10th. Taking the stage with Cyndi and her band this year will be a host of guests including:
- Modern pop icon Kesha
- Grammy/Tony/Emmy-winner Billy Porter
- 3x Grammy-winning artist Brandi Carlisle
- Prolific chart-topper and staunch LGBTQ advocate Belinda Carlisle,
- Blues legend Charlie Musselwhite
- Punk icon Henry Rollins
- Alternative legend and Lollapalooza creator Perry Farrell with Etty Lau Farrell
- Smash-hit songwriter Justin Tranter
- Rising star Emily Estefan
- Inventive young producer Shawn Wasabi
- Legendary comics Carol Leifer and Lily Tomlin
- U.K. comedian and actor Gina Yashere,
- Grammy and Emmy-nominated actress/performer Margaret Cho
- Breakout indie pop star King Princes
- Two-time Grammy-nominated musical artist and producer K.Flay
Cyndi is also thrilled to welcome back Emmy-winner and TCU board member Carson Kressley as host.
In support of Home for the Holidays, several other marquee musicians – Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, Mariah Carey, Dolly Parton, Lady Gaga, Kelly Clarkson, Dua Lipa, Kacey Musgraves, RuPaul and Tegan and Sara, to name a few – are donating items and experiences to support the concert’s corresponding charitable auction that will also take place in December.
“I’m really heartened and excited by the response I’ve gotten throughout the entertainment community,” says Lauper. “Home for the Holidays is known for always having a cool and eclectic mix of performers. The line-up so far? I mean, c’mon. Where else are you gonna see Billy Porter and Henry Rollins on the same bill! It’s going to be such a great night. Many of those who are not available to perform have offered such amazing items for auction. I’m so touched by the generosity we’ve received. More surprises to come soon.”
100% of the net proceeds from the concert will support True Colors United’s programs to prevent and end homelessness among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth. In America, up to 40% of the 4.2 million youth experiencing homelessness in America are LGBTQ and, according to a recent study from Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago, LGBTQ young people are 120% more likely to experience homelessness than non-LGBTQ youth. Among many other initiatives, Lauper, who co-founded the organization eleven years ago, has testified and helped secure funding in Congress for a new federal program that is working to finally bring an end to youth homelessness in over 70 communities nationwide.
Home for the Holidays sells out each year and has become a holiday tradition that gathers together a host of diverse talents for an important cause.
Tickets will be available to the general public 10am PT on Friday, November 8 at AXS.com.
For more information please visit here.
a&e features
Looking back at 50 years of Pride in D.C
Washington Blade’s unique archives chronicle highs, lows of our movement
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of LGBTQ Pride in Washington, D.C., the Washington Blade team combed our archives and put together a glossy magazine showcasing five decades of celebrations in the city. Below is a sampling of images from the magazine but be sure to find a print copy starting this week.
The magazine is being distributed now and is complimentary. You can find copies at LGBTQ bars and restaurants across the city. Or visit the Blade booth at the Pride festival on June 7 and 8 where we will distribute copies.
Thank you to our advertisers and sponsors, whose support has enabled us to distribute the magazine free of charge. And thanks to our dedicated team at the Blade, especially Photo Editor Michael Key, who spent many hours searching the archives for the best images, many of which are unique to the Blade and cannot be found elsewhere. And thanks to our dynamic production team of Meaghan Juba, who designed the magazine, and Phil Rockstroh who managed the process. Stephen Rutgers and Brian Pitts handled sales and marketing and staff writers Lou Chibbaro Jr., Christopher Kane, Michael K. Lavers, Joe Reberkenny along with freelancer and former Blade staffer Joey DiGuglielmo wrote the essays.
The magazine represents more than 50 years of hard work by countless reporters, editors, advertising sales reps, photographers, and other media professionals who have brought you the Washington Blade since 1969.
We hope you enjoy the magazine and keep it as a reminder of all the many ups and downs our local LGBTQ community has experienced over the past 50 years.
I hope you will consider supporting our vital mission by becoming a Blade member today. At a time when reliable, accurate LGBTQ news is more essential than ever, your contribution helps make it possible. With a monthly gift starting at just $7, you’ll ensure that the Blade remains a trusted, free resource for the community — now and for years to come. Click here to help fund LGBTQ journalism.
The fourth annual Equality Prince William Pride was held at the Harris Pavilion in Manassas, Va. on Saturday, May 17.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
The Washington Blade held its 18th annual Summer Kickoff Party in Rehoboth Beach, Del., on Friday, May 16. Delaware Gov. Matt Meyer spoke along with State Sen. Russ Huxtable, CAMP Rehoboth Executive Director Kim Leisey, Blade Editor Kevin Naff, and Clear Space Theatre Managing Director Joe Gfaller. The event raises funds for the Steve Elkins Memorial Fellowship in Journalism, which was awarded to AU student Abigail Hatting.
(Washington Blade photos by Daniel Truitt)
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