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Full Circle Honoring Our Shared History

Cris Williamson returns to The Freight for her annual homage to the New Year bringing a curated set of songs from 5 decades for 2 shows on January 10th & 11th at 7P in Berkeley, CA. Singer, songwriter, musician, teacher & activist Williamson is one of the most important figures from the women's music movement rooted in the '70s. Cris stated, “A musical & visual journey through our shared history, beginning & ending with The Changer & the Changed … songs that soothed us, wooed us, summoned us, united us, strengthened us & gathered us together in community. Let’s greet this next year together, armed with memories of what we've done, pride in who we are & our shared belief in what is possible.” Cris has continued to write, record, teach & tour including 3 sold-out shows at Carnegie Hall. Along with touring, a new album & a documentary in the works her recent album Harbor Street serves as a mirror of these difficult times. Williamson continues to be a fearless trailblazer, an avowed feminist & a proud lesbian long before most dared to come out. In 2018 Cris & Judy Dlugacz founders of the landmark women-led label Olivia Records were honored with the Jack Emerson Lifetime Achievement Award for Executive by the Americana Music Association. Since 1968 The Freight has been deeply rooted in the aspect of Berkeley’s culture that embraced freedom, justice, acceptance, collaboration & innovation. Premium advance tickets are $74 & premium day of show tickets are $79. General advance tickets are $54 & general day of show tickets are $59 including all fees. 
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Stonewall National Museum 2026 Gala

Stonewall National Museum, Archives & Library will ceremoniously & historically induct Jon Stryker, retired Congressman Barney Frank & Janis Ian into its nationally traveling “Standing on the Shoulders of Heroes” exhibition on February 21st at The VENUE in Wilton Manors, FL. Robert Kesten, Stonewall National Museum’s President & CEO stated, “Deeply impactful & culturally transformative, Stryker, Frank & Ian will be memorialized among other LGBTQ+ trailblazers in Stonewall National Museum’s national human rights exhibit. It will be an incredible experience to unveil their exhibition pieces & celebrate their achievements with guests at our 4th annual Gala. Our three honorees continue to be transformative figures in all aspects of our society. They uniquely represent what is best in us simply by being themselves. Jon has impacted the planet with his one-of-a-kind foundation, his board service & commitment to our humanity. Barney can synthesize what is going on in the world & keep it in perspective & in his colorful & expressive way, letting us know this too can be solved & then there is Janis. Her vulnerability in words & music takes you in & her wicked guitar riffs keep you emotionally engaged, it’s almost like being hypnotized & transformed. I am thankful that in the world as it is today, these three will be inducted into our exhibit & join us in repairing our world.” The “Standing on the Shoulders of Heroes” exhibition has been displayed in Fort Lauderdale, FL, Philadelphia, PA, NYC, Washington D.C., New Orleans, LA, New Jersey, Ann Arbor, Michigan, Rockland County, NY, Arlington, TX, West Palm Beach, FL & continues its travels to cities from coast to coast. 
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Boston Holiday Pops Traditional Bliss

Last night I attended the Boston Holiday Pops & it was the most uplifting experience I’ve had in months. The Holiday Pops runs now through December 24th with vibrant shows filled with traditional Christmas & holiday classics. Under Keith Lockhart leadership guests included the Metropolitan Chorale conducted by Lisa Graham with fabulous renditions of classic favorites like "The Twelve Days of Christmas" arranged by David Chase & the 80’s anniversary of Leroy Anderson’s "Sleigh Ride". There was also a performance of Charles Dickens “A Christmas Carol” & "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" before Santa made his appearance during the concert's finale. Keith Lockhart was so gracious bringing the audience together in these times on a humanistic level calling for understanding & peace. Lockhart spoke to the audience about the Boston Holiday Pops as a cherished family tradition, a source of hope & continuity & a way to connect people through music emphasizing its role in defining Boston's holidays & offering a sense of shared joy & peace amidst life's challenges highlighting its endurance & ability to bring our community together for decades. The orchestra & chorus wrapped up the evening with a medley of Santa-themed songs followed by the traditional Christmas sing-a-long. When the audience again ventured out into the winter weather it was with a song in its collective heart. Lockhart is celebrating his 30th anniversary of conducting the Boston Pops which includes over 2,250 performances, 45 national tours to more than 150 cities & 5 international tours. For an additional holiday treat get 50% off all tickets for Tuesday December 23rd 11A performance when you enter promo code POPS50 before selecting your seats. 
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Global Movement Celebrates 35 Years

For 35 years Outright International has worked with partners around the globe to strengthen the capacity of the human rights movement by documenting & amplify human rights violations & advocating for inclusion & equality. Julie Dorf, Outright Founder stated, "When we founded Outright 35 years ago, we couldn't have imagined both how far we'd come or the ferocity of today's backlash. This anniversary isn't just a celebration—it's about transferring hard-won knowledge while learning from a new generation that's refusing to accept these rollbacks as inevitable." Maria Sjödin, Outright Executive Director added, "Since becoming Executive Director, I’ve watched governments weaponize our identities, cut funding, and try to intimidate entire communities into silence. But here’s what they underestimate: the global movement that Outright has helped build for 35 years. When crises hit, we don’t wait. We act. We get resources to those who need them, amplify voices that are being silenced & protect the progress generations fought for. Today’s backlash is real, but so is the power we’ve inherited from those who came before us & it’s what will carry us through the next 35 years." Jessica Stern, Outright Executive Director 2012-2021 & Former U.S. Special Envoy for LGBTQ Rights concluded, "As U.S. Special Envoy, I saw up close how few governments intervene when LGBTQI+ people are attacked or criminalized. That dehumanization & its normalization is staggering. It’s why strong LGBTQI+ movements are essential—not only to demand justice for our communities, but to defend anyone targeted for who they are. We deserve far more than survival. We deserve safety, dignity & joy." I talked to Jessica Stern back in 2016 about this movement in this exclusive podcast. LISTEN  
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Guitarist Sharon Isbin Concert Event

Multi-Grammy Award winner Sharon Isbin will be performing a solo concert Thursday December 18th at the 92NY Kaufmann Concert Hall at 7:30P in NYC. The program celebrates America at 250 with works including John Duarte’s Joan Baez Suite inspired by songs from her early career, Tan Dun’s Seven Desires & Bruce MacCombie’s Nightshade Rounds. Central to the program is John Duarte’s moving Joan Baez Suite written for Isbin & inspired by songs associated with one of her musical heroes including “Where Have All the Flowers Gone,” “House of the Rising Sun,” “Barbara Allen” & others. Isbin stated, “It’s a joy to welcome the coming year with a solo concert this Thursday December 18th in New York City’s 92NY Kaufmann Concert Hall, 7:30pm! The program celebrates America at 250 with remarkable works composed for me, including John Duarte’s Joan Baez Suite inspired by songs from her early career, Tan Dun’s Seven Desires and Bruce MacCombie’s Nightshade Rounds. Joan Baez, who joins me in two tracks on my GRAMMY-winning album Journey to the New World which features the suite. It’s a privilege to salute her upcoming 85th birthday with this music! Other highlights include Andrew York & in homage to Spain's pivotal role in the American Revolution, works by Granados, Tárrega & Barrios.” For over 150 years the 92nd Street Y in NYC has harnessed the power of arts & ideas to enrich, enlighten & change lives & the power of community to repair the world. I talked with Sharon in this retro podcast about her American Public Television documentary “Sharon Isbin: Troubadour”. LISTEN  
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The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show ‘25 Tour

The Queens of Christmas BenDeLaCreme & Jinkx Monsoon will host a global livestream of this year’s critically-acclaimed all-new iteration of “The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show” produced by BenDeLaCreme Presents on December 23rd at 7P PST. Audiences who can’t make it to the live show in-person will get to stream the show as the award-winning comedy duo perform at the Moore Theatre in Seattle, WA. BenDeLaCreme Presents is also thrilled to announce actress & Saturday Night Live alum Vanessa Bayer as the new voice of “Rodudu” in this year’s holiday show - a Rudolph-themed Labubu-inspired toy that plays a key role in bringing Jinkx & DeLa together to explore the dangers of A.I. Also announced is that Emmy winning actor Jeff Hiller will be the voice of this year’s narrator Mr. Fir. Directed, produced & written by BenDeLaCreme this year’s tour continues now through December 30th across the U.S. & Canada in major theaters. BenDeLaCreme is an award-winning theatre & film producer, comedian, director, writer & global drag icon who continues to reshape & build the drag industry on a major scale. Jinkx Monsoon is an award-winning actress, comedian, recording artist & the first & only drag queen to win RuPaul’s Drag Race twice. Throughout the show’s 8-year history Jinkx & DeLa have met sentient Christmas treats, twisted space-time with Dickensian Ghosts, escaped the meta clutches of their own holiday traditions & led a harrowing rescue mission in the Nutcracker's Land of Sweets. Hailed by Entertainment Weekly as "the reigning queens of Christmas" this show is not only a moment of respite but a celebration of community at a time when we need it most of all. I talked to Jeff Hiller in 2018 about his work in this exclusive podcast. LISTEN
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National Black Justice Collective Grants

The National Black Justice Collective announced their 2025 Benevolence Grants as attacks on LGBTQ youth intensify nationwide this year’s Benevolence cohort represents a powerful affirmation of communal care, mutual aid & collective responsibility. Dr. David J. Johns, CEO & Executive Director of the National Black Justice Collective stated, “In the face of these escalating attacks, Benevolence grantees continue to show up for our babies, providing safe havens, affirming spaces, leadership development, emergency support, housing, mental health care, & so much more. While extremists target us with denial of fundamental human rights & political threats to freedoms, these Benevolence organizations are providing what our young people need through safety, community & love. Investing in them is how we protect our future & ensure Black LGBTQ+/SGL youth not only survive, but flourish.” NBJC’s 2025 Benevolence new grantees are All 1 Family Inc, Amaad Institute, Black Trans Youth Rising, Freedom, Inc., IYG, Lighthouse Foundation Chicagoland, Rainbow Youth Project USA Foundation, SnapCo, Southern Vision Alliance, United by Equity & YAP. Continuing Grantees are Alliance for LGBTQ Youth, BEAM, Black Star Project, Haus of Codec, Kaleidoscope Youth Center, Jasmyn, Justice for Black Girls, My Sistah’s House, Neutral Zone, The Okra Project, The Pride Center at Equality Park, The Queer Trans Project, Rainbow in Black, Sisters PGH, SMYAL, Stand with Trans, Trans Youth Emergency Project, TruEvolution, Wordplay Cincy, Youth Pride Inc. & YWCA Madison. The National Black Justice Collective (NBJC) is America’s leading civil rights organization dedicated to the empowerment of Black LGBTQ including people living with HIV. 
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Standing On The Shoulders of Heroes

Global human rights advocate & philanthropist Jon Stryker will be ceremoniously added to Stonewall National Museum, Archives & Library’s “Standing on the Shoulders of Heroes” Exhibition at the Museum’s 4th Annual Fundraising Gala on February 21st. Stryker founded the Arcus Foundation in 2000 contributing more than $700M dollars to critical social & environmental justice causes around the globe. He will join other fearless LGBTQ icons featured in the nationally traveling human rights exhibit including Harvey Milk, Billy Jean King, Tony-Award Winner Larry Kramer, Congresswoman Barbara Jordan & more. Robert Kesten, Stonewall National Museum’s President & CEO stated, “Jon Stryker sets the example of what we can accomplish when we dedicate ourselves, our resources & time to building a more equitable world. We are deeply moved that Jon has accepted the honor of becoming a Stonewall Hero. It is fitting that a man who has done so much & dedicated himself to making the world a better place for humans & primates be added to this traveling exhibit. At this time in our nation & world’s history it is critically important that educational story telling travels to cities far & wide, providing a historical & cultural context for the LGBTQ+ community & the general public. Knowledge is the best tonic in fighting hate, prejudice & ignorance. Foundations like Arcus & people like Jon make that possible.” The “Standing on the Shoulders of Heroes” Exhibition has been displayed in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Philadelphia, PA, NYC; Washington D.C., New Orleans, LA, New Jersey, Ann Arbor, Michigan, Rockland County, New York, Arlington, TX, West Palm Beach, FL & continues its travels to cities & corners of this country from coast to coast. 
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Al Hirschfeld Strokes Of Genius Exhibit

Helicline Fine Art announced the continuation of “Hirschfeld Strokes Of Genius” a fabulous celebration of Al Hirschfeld’s artwork. Additional works have been added to the exhibition which includes more than 6 dozen Hirschfeld original signed & numbered drawings & lithographs depicting Broadway, Hollywood, TV, music & comedy. The exhibition is online & at their midtown Manhattan gallery by appointment as well as arrangements to zoom with specific works. Hirschfeld's infamous caricature artwork established a new visual language for modern art. His work appeared in major publications for decades including a 75-year relationship with The New York Times. His distinctive style has become recognizable to generations of art lovers & audiences. Keith Sherman, Helicline Fine Art owner stated, “Al Hirschfeld holds a very special place in my heart. Art is a second business for me, as my primary work is running a Times Square based PR firm. I represented Al for the last 15 years of his life & the Al Hirschfeld Foundation since it was formed more than two decades ago. I am over-the-moon excited about offering these classic Hirschfeld original drawings & lithographs.” Featured in the exhibition include Judy Garland, Barbra Streisand, Bette Midler, Carol Channing, Gwen Verdon, Dinah Shore, Sidney Poitier, Abbott & Costello, Charlie Chaplin, “I Love Lucy,” Cher, Elvis, Sinatra, Fred Astaire & Ginger Rogers, Barry Manilow, Beverly Sills, Bob Hope, Bogart & Bacall, Humphrey Bogart, Lauen Bacall, “Cabaret” with Liza Minnelli & Joel Grey, Clint Eastwood Duke Ellington, Greta Garbo, Marx Brothers, Katherine Hepburn, Jane Fonda, Jay Leno, Laurel & Hardy, Lena Horne, Looney Tunes, Mae West, Marlene Deitrich, Mary Tyler Moore & Dick Van Dyke, Marilyn Monroe & Clark Gable, Sammy Davis, Shirley MacLaine, Stephen Sondheim & more. 
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Super Happy Fun Clown Stream Event

The Horror Collective announced that the acclaimed festival slasher film “Super Happy Fun Clown” directed by Patrick Rea will premiere exclusively on BloodStream beginning January 1st. Written & produced by Eric Winkler with Patrick Rea also serving as producer “Super Happy Fun Clown” follows Jennifer a once-celebrated child prodigy who now performs as Jenn-O the Clown. During a chaotic Halloween night she channels the personas of classic movie monsters & notorious serial killers transforming a simple side hustle into a night of catharsis, confrontation & escalating carnage. Patrick Rea stated, "This film is the result of years spent exploring the line between identity & performance. Jenn-O is raw, unfiltered & more than a little dangerous. BloodStream is the perfect home because the platform supports films that take creative risks & speak directly to genre fans." Winkler added, "We set out to make something that pushes boundaries. BloodStream’s audience embraces original voices & we are honored for viewers to make Jenn-O’s dream of ‘fortune and glory’ come true. Infamy equals immortality!" BloodStream’s Heidi Honeycutt concluded, "My years in festival programming taught me how quickly a film with a strong voice can ignite genuine excitement. Super Happy Fun Clown has that spark. Supporting filmmakers with proven festival presence & giving sales partners a platform that champions discovery is exactly what BloodStream was built to do." BloodStream is the dedicated streaming service from The Horror Collective & Studio Dome. Following its BloodStream premiere January 1st the film will expand to additional platforms later in 2026. The Horror Collective is the genre label of Entertainment Squad founded by producer Shaked Berenson. 
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Filmmakers Talk Movie Jimpa (AUDIO)

The feature film Jimpa that premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival is screening at the MFA WQ Fall Focus event in Boston on Sunday December 7th at 2P. Jimpa starring Olivia Colman & John Lithgow is about filmmaker Hannah (Colman) & her nonbinary teen Frances (Aud Mason Hyde) who travel to Amsterdam to reconnect with their estranged father & grandfather Jimpa (Lithgow) as things unravel in unexpected ways. Frances’ desire to stay with Jimpa for a full year tests Hannah’s beliefs about parenting, identity & family. As tensions surface Jimpa weaves a tender, emotionally charged portrait of queer kinship, legacy & the fragile bonds between parents & children. Directed by Sophie Hyde Jimpa is a semi-autobiographical work from Hyde who stated, “Casting a version of yourself is not an easy task. It’s very tricky to do & so there’s a part of the story that’s incredibly sort of drawing on our real lives & then there’s a whole lot of fiction as well. Obviously there’s Jim & there’s also Aud who is my child & they’re a bit older than Frances, but there’s elements of the relationship between Hannah & Frances that definitely are in us.” Like Hyde Hannah’s a married film artist from Adelaide, the mother of a transgender, nonbinary teenager & the daughter of a father who came out gay when she was a child. I talked to Sophie Hyde & Aud Mason Hyde in this exclusive chat about their film Jimpa last summer at the Provincetown International Film Festival & their spin on our LGBTQ issues. LISTEN  
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Stop The Insanity Finding Susan Powter

The new documentary about Susan Powter the ’90s pop culture icon who burst onto the scene with her signature bleach-blonde buzz cut & bold health message will be released on all major VOD platforms December 9th. After conquering infomercials, becoming a New York Times bestselling author, hosting her own talk show & seeing her face on thousands of products Powter dramatically walked away from Hollywood & into obscurity. Crippling lawsuits with her business partners left her bankrupt & she lived as a total recluse below the poverty line in Las Vegas where filmmaker Zeberiah Newman ultimately found her. “Stop The Insanity: Finding Susan Powter Will” explores Powter's rise & fall while asking what it will take to bring her back to audiences & whether her message “Stop The Insanity” is still as relevant & powerful today as it was in the early ’90s. Director Zeberiah Newman stated, “Telling Susan’s story has been the most challenging & rewarding experience of my career. It forced me to cut through years of tabloid mythology & see her as she truly is: a survivor, a truth-teller & a woman whose voice still matters in a culture that so often erases those who refuse to conform. This film is not a biopic—it is a meditation on resilience, fame & the fight to hold onto your power when the world tries to take it away.” The film features Executive Producer Jamie Lee Curtis, Ross Mathews & Powter. What emerges from “Stop The Insanity: Finding Susan Powter Will” is not just a portrait of Powter’s strength but a searing reflection of the urgent crises reshaping our country today. WATCH TRAILER   
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LeAnn Rimes To Headline Sports Festival

The Sin City Classic Sports Festival announced that Grammy-winning music star LeAnn Rimes will perform at the inaugural Sin City Classic Concert to close out the sports festival. Rimes' performance will take place on Sunday January 18th at the Brooklyn Bowl in Las Vegas, NV. Dr. Jason Peplinski, Sin City Classic Co-Executive Director stated, “For decades, LeAnn Rimes has been a vocal supporter of & advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. Now, more than ever, we need the voices of our allies to come forward, be loud & remain steadfast as so many of the community’s rights are being stripped away. We can’t wait for LeAnn Rimes to bring down the house for thousands of athletes, allies & fans at this year’s Concert.” Throughout her award-winning career Rimes has been passionate about using her voice to change the world. She was honored with the Ally of Equality Award by HRC for her over 20 years of support of LGBTQ rights, the 2019 HOPE Award for Depression Advocacy & the 2009 ACM Humanitarian Award among other recognitions. The 2026 Sin City Classic Sports Festival hosted annually by the Greater Los Angeles Softball Association (GLASA) takes place January 15th to 19th in Las Vegas with the Concert & Closing Party on January 18th. Since 2008 the Sin City Classic Sports Festival has provided a safe & competitive atmosphere for LGBTQ athletes. Over the past 17 years the tournament has grown to include 24 sports & approximately 10,000 athletes & fans. GLASA remains committed to creating the best experience possible for a diverse roster of dedicated athletes who participate & the fans & allies who come to enjoy the festival. 
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Gold Dust Orphans Sweeney Claus Event

Ryan Landry & the Gold Dust Orphans present “Sweeney Claus” as this year’s camp holiday theatrical extravaganza now through December 21st at The Iron Wolf Theatre in Boston, MA. The hysterical plot thickens as Dasher one of Santa’s original 9 reindeers comes home from work one night only to find his beloved wife & daughter gone. In fear that his dear, deer family has been kidnapped by “furrier elves” he sets out across the frozen tundra known as “The North Pole” in a desperate search for his loved ones. Lost in the snow, dazed & confused he is soon captured by elfin guards & thrown into an insane asylum where the “screws” immediately have his antlers removed. Now unable to fly & hearing that his family may still be alive somewhere in merry old New England he quickly boards a ship bound for the small seaside town. Once there & bent on revenge he disguises himself as a barber in order to carry out his deadly plan. The cast includes Sweeney (Thain Bertin), his beloved wife Johanna (Mary Mahoney), Santa Claus (Tim Lawton), Mrs. Leaveit (Ryan Landry) & T Perry as the earnest young sailor Semen. It's also been announced that the fabulous Gold Dust Orphan honorary Parker Posey will be joining the cast for their December 20th show at 7:30P. “Sweeney Claus” written by Ryan Landry & directed by Kiki Samko who also appears as the Beggar Woman is not for children since its more naughty than nice. Founded in 1995 The Gold Dust Orphans are an award-winning Vaudeville-inspired theatrical troupe delighting audiences in Boston, Provincetown & NYC with their comedic melodrama, fantasy & political satire. 
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Full Circle Honoring Our Shared History

Cris Williamson returns to The Freight for her annual homage to the New Year bringing a curated set of songs from 5 decades for 2 shows on J...

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