#gagarazzi2011

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 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!