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by Sonny C. Cleveland

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA

Turnabout Wolfendale's Style

If you haven't had the chance to see one of the many shows put on each week at Wolfendale's, then you are missing some great fun and fascinating talent. Under the direction of general manager Eddie Fos and assistant manager Rhyn, one of the most entertaining turnabouts was held to benefit Bridge House Drop-In Center raising over $412. The show cast included such greats as Tallulah Toulouse, Princess Maxine Ross, Myrna Von Tightbuns, Gabriel Richard & The Artist Formerly Known as Luwanda and a host of others. Wolfendale's has definitely become a fundraising machine for worthy causes. They have raised over $3,000 for different organizations in the community. Wigs off to the cast and crew of Wolfendale's for having hearts and pockets of gold.

Organizational Alert!

It has come time for me to deal with something of which I am not too fond. A situation has been slapped in my face that is not too nice and I would hope that what I am about to say would be taken heed of and not taken as an offense.

This is a warning to all organizational leaders about a couple known as "the Pookies." Let me start from the beginning. Last year, a bar on Rampart known as Pookie's Palace attempted to get involved with PrideFest '97 by throwing a fundraising party. The party was held with Pride sponsors and board members in attendance. No proceeds were given to the Pride organization. After many contacts with "the Pookies" and promises made, the funds were still not received. Not long after the Pride party was held, the bar closed its doors. From what I understand allegedly there had been a much more mischief than that from this couple before the closing of their bar. They then performed a disappearing act. Recently, they popped back into the community to begin their apparent con again, taking advantage of more victims.

As you know Pride has been moved and expanded. Included this year is a drag stage. In preparation, we began to raise funds to cover the expenses for the sound and dressing room for this part of the festival. A volunteer was appointed to head up this feature of the festival weekend. His job duties included getting the monetary sponsorship and organizing the talent for the weekend's festivities. Innocently fulfilling his job duties, "the Pookies" arrived on the scene to become "silent" sponsors of the drag stage. They offered the volunteer cash sponsorship to cover the drag stage; the volunteer brought the news to the Pride Board while awaiting final negotiations with the sound and staging company; but, according to his agreement, did not divulge the name of the sponsor. After a quote was provided, the "silent" sponsor became vocal and began making demands on the Pride Board for a media sponsorship that was already fulfilled for 1998. After offering an alternative sponsorship, which involved Freedom's, a bar on the Westbank, which by the way, had committed to throwing a Pride party for this year, the "Pookies" decided to drop out of everything, including cancelling the party at Freedom's and drag stage sponsorship.

I have made this public for a reason: to make all aware of the deceptiveness of this couple. If this was something done on a personal level, I would not bother filling my column with such awful news. But since this was a second attempt at trying to apparently "screw" an organization, plus one that many volunteer their time, sweat and tears to protect, I ask that other organizations consider carefully any dealings with this couple or the businesses in which they have an interest.

San Diego Pride Fest
Will Present Big Attractions

On July 25 and 26, the grassy lawns of Marston Point in Balboa Park will become the venue for one of the biggest outdoor celebrations this city has to offer: the San Diego Lesbian and Gay Pride Festival.

The two-day event this year includes a broader range of exhibits and entertainment to correspond with San Diego Pride's 1998 theme: "Unity Through Diversity: It Begins With Us..."

Many first-time exhibitors such as the San Diego Padres will line the festival corridors with hundreds of other social, civic, educational and artistic organizations that are taking part. Beer gardens, food booths and special areas for youth and seniors will also be available. And a main concert stage, flanked with American Sign Language interpreters, will feature non-stop entertainment by well-known recording artists and comedians.

Organizers say the festival is designed to provide an entertaining and tolerant atmosphere for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender people - plus all of their supporters.

"Our goal is to present a quality event that all segments of our community can thoroughly enjoy. The widespread support we receive allows us to do that," says Executive Director Mandy Schultz. San Diego Pride Festival Coordinator Kim Herbstritt adds, "We have a good mix of organizations and businesses that represent San Diego. Our exhibitor relations team does an excellent job at welcoming all of our vendors."

Festival hours are: 2 to 10 p.m., July 25; and noon to 10 p.m., July 26. Tickets are $10 per day or $15 for a two-day pass. For additional information, call the Pride office at: 619.297.7683, or visit its website at: www.sdpride.org.

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