#gagarazzi

The night of Gagarazzi, anyone could show up and do the “outside of the curtains” activities, which included the photobooth (this post is pictures from there), the unique Gaga themed drink specials, the free testing by AIDS Service of Austin, and more.  We were shocked to have more than 3 times the capacity of The Highball show up wanting to attend. We were saddened we couldn’t hold that many, to give them the experience, or to raise the money for Equality Texas, but such is life. Also a shout out to The Highball, who not only gave us the venue for free without any cost at all, providing lights, sound, even helping with the event in many ways. They invited us back after breaking their bar sales record before 10pm!  We raised money for a good cause, but it’s really nice to know that the venue that did a good deed by donating their space and time made some good business too. Tomorrow will be the last Gagarazzi post, with pictures from the event. See you then!

Above: A slice of the Homespun Horror team and some Gagarazzi show runners. 

Above:  We got some great costumes that night! 

Above: Some of the crew from Equality Texas. So helpful and vital in our entire operation! They worked with us the whole way, even radio interviews. 

Above: One of our amazing volunteer performers, Coco Lectric! She not only donated her time to perform, but even took extra time to appear on the radio with us!

Above: Another performer whose costume alone was enough, the beautiful Ginger Snaps! 

Above:  More attendees that came to dominate! 

Above: Another member of our crew and an old friend who came out to support us! Thanks y’all. 

The show went great and we completely topped out capacity, and raised lots of money for a good cause. We had all sorts of donors and helpers that I’ve mentioned in other parts of this post, but the night of what’s really important is the experience and the performers. When guests showed up, they could get a free test from AIDS Service of Austin, visit the photo booth, and get in line for their wristbands. When the curtains opened, we had about an hour where people could get their photos taken, enter the costume contest, peruse the auction of Gaga related and inspired items, all while enjoying a pre-show of video content, all specially made for Gagarazzi. 

The show itself had a variety of performers, all who donated their time. I would be lying if I said it was all sunshine and roses, because of course it was a fast paced stress fest for us show runners, including when our finale performer group didn’t show up, didn’t call, didn’t ever contact us again whatsoever. That makes us all the more grateful for the performers to did and did such a great job. Here are some shots of the show: 

Above: Brass Ovaries performed several times and the audience loved it. Also, Thanks to ATX Street Style for some of the photos you’ll see here. 

Above: People definitely showed up in the costume department! 

Above: The only guideline performers were given is that it needed to be inspired or related to Gaga in some way - that’s it. Many chose music, of course, but some chose theme or imagery. 

Above: We even had a country style cover of a little known Gaga gem, and my favorite Gaga song, Future Love. 

Above: Dolls from the Crypt did 2 interesting sets; one horror movie inspired piece (gaga loves her horror movies after all) and then Voodoo Bunny had a real life meat dress for their final set (Below). 

Above: Costumed attendees do an interview for the media. 

Above: Our host Nicole did a great job and kept the audience laughing between sets. 

Above: One of the winners of our costume contest. Fun fact: Everyone thought I was super stylish wearing a patch over my eye for the clothes I wore at the show (That’s me just to the right of the picture above). I wore something I knew I could be comfortable hustling in all night, however, the patch was not part of that choice. I had worn my contacts so much in prep for the show, during interviews and stuff, that I ended up getting an ulcer on my cornea. It was terrible. I HAD to wear the patch unless I wanted to wear my thick heavy glasses, which was a big no from me. I was an accidental stylish pirate! 

Why did we choose Equality Texas as the recipient of the funds we raised? Well, remember this was 2011, and it would be 4 more years until all people in this country were granted equal rights to marry, and even still today in 2020, equality in rights, treatment, discrimination, employment, and more, are still being fought for. Equality Texas is the only nonpartisan statewide political advocacy organization lobbying the Texas legislature for the elimination of discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity/expression. The Foundation conducts research and educates Texans about policies and their effect on Texans of all sexual orientations and gender identities/expressions. The Foundation also coordinates efforts of LGBT and allied organizations across the state to achieve its goals and objectives. Find more at www.equalitytexas.org. They cause is a personal one that I truly believe in. 

Now, I promised you today I’d post my favorite item I made for the event’s auction, my customized Paparazzi Barbie Doll. Hand painted, items sculpted from clay. First, here is the real Lady Gaga from the Paparazzi video this doll is made from: 

This video is amazing, if you haven’t seen it, check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgKrzdaDQMw

Here is the completed doll inside of it’s customized, hand painted box: 

And this is the back of the box below: 

Why Lady Gaga for this event? It’s an easy answer for me. Gaga is an inspiration to millions of people, not only for her out-of-the-box image and music, but the care she shows for her fans and community. She’s been crowned one of the most charitable celebrities for the past 10 years, sometimes snatching the number one spot, because of her constant activism, donations and advocacy work. Actively donating large sums to rescue efforts (Japan tsunami and earthquake relief as well as Haiti earthquake efforts), funds for homeless LGBT youth through her tours, and relief for hurricane Sandy amongst many others, she earns her reputation as a philanthropist. Her advocacy efforts have included the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, AIDS foundations, Equality marches, Black Lives Matter, and everything from The Trevor Project to the Make A Wish Foundation. In Oct 2011, she started her very own charity, the Born This Way foundation, which is committed to supporting the wellness of young people, and empowering them to create a kinder and braver world. 

A lot of artists and small businesses donated goods they created, like screen printed t-shits, hand made jewelry, artisan soaps and more to our auction at the event. We were surprised at how many places, people, and businesses eagerly answered yes when we asked if they were willing to provide an item or gift card to our auction. We even had some seek us out because they loved our idea so much. Amazing! The gratitude is still something I feel today. I also pitched in some handmade items as well, for the auction and as costume contest prizes. Several of these were My Little Gaga Ponies: 

(Technically this one was a gift for someone, but how could I not include it?) Original Gaga Below: 

These above 2 were Gaga looks from music award shows that are definitely classics. This white one was one of the items in the winners bag of the costume contest. Original here: 

This mini pony is from the Born This way music video. She was also a prize in the costume contest winners bags. Original: 

I also made an assortment of Gaga inspired tea cups for fun - yes, that is a tea cup covered in hair. 

Here is a parting shot of just one of the many auction tables. You’ll spot what tomorrow’s post will focus on in this photo! 

Special thanks to business like Straight but not Narrow, AIDS Service of Austin, Underwear, House of Torment, Book Woman, Crystal Falls Soap Company, Strut, Homespun Horror, Leaf on the Wind designs, Christopher Cotner tattoo’s, Beanito’s, Graham's Texas Tea's, Pabst Blue Ribbon, TXRD,  Vamplets, Lisa Taye Cohen’s hair,  and many, many more. You guys ruled in eagerly supporting a great cause! 

9 years ago, on September 30, 2011, I was co-creator and co-director on an event created to raise funds for Equality Texas. Gagarazzi was a Lady Gaga themed variety show, and in celebration of it’s memory and success, I’ll be posting different aspects of the show for the next week.

Gagarazzi was a multi-dimensional event, evoking the sights, sounds and inspiration of Lady Gaga. The idea spawned in 2010 and came to life over 9 months of hard work. The 2011 event took place at The Highball Austin on September 30th, raising funds for our local LGBT community advocate, Equality Texas. The event included a costume contest, Gaga-centric performances by local artists, pre-show videos, themed drinks, a raffled filled with one of a kind Gaga products and items from local businesses, as well as a photo booth and an outdoor AIDS screening tent provided by Aids Service of Austin. The night was wrapped up with a 2 hour dance party. Attendance was 3 times the capacity of The Highballs ballroom over the course of the night! We were in awe of the outpouring of love and interest for this event. 

Throughout the week, I’ll talk about more aspects of the show and the who, why and how, but lets start off with some of the early advertising, media opportunities, and more! 

Once the date and some info was set, posters were created by several different artists. Here are the 2 I designed: 

This was simple acrylic on matte board, and the original was signed by performers and auctioned off at the events raffle. 

This was gritty ol’ roller ball pin on white paper. I liked these two opposing styles of flyer, because that’s really the spirit of Gaga to me; some rainbows and glitter, but also some bleeding heart and dark imagery. I feel very much like I belong in that same opposing aesthetic much of the time. 

We also decided to do some on the streets advertising to get interest for the event, including going full Gaga and hitting the streets, talking with people. 

I love the look on that super surprised guys face. That Telephone wig is up for sale on Etsy right now, if you’re looking to go Gaga for Halloween. 

The most fun day of costumed flyering was at the Pride Parade: 

People were so excited and welcoming, and of course, very happy about the cause. It was interesting, and event about kindness and acceptance, and lobbying for the equality of all people, outside of Pride Parade, some people were down right hostile. It’s a good think they are water off a ducks back. 

We were also grateful to have a student photographer, Ms. Greer, and several newspapers accompany us on these walkabouts. The press attention definitely helped spread the world to a broader audience, helping attendance, and of course, money for the cause.