RARE LIVE SHOW BY VOGUEING LEGENDS AT OP SCREENING
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
6:00PM - 9:00PM
AWARD-WINNING FILM 'HOW DO I LOOK' CAPTURES UNDERGROUND GLAM OF BALL SCENE ....
Willi Ninja. Pepper Labeija. Octavia St. Laurent. Carmen Xtravaganza. If you're into the "House Ball" scene born in 1970s Harlem, you'll recognize these illustrious names. Even if you don't, you've seen their influence in pop hits like Madonna's "Vogue".
Now, OP hosts a Director's Screening of Wolfgang Busch's "How Do I Look," an acclaimed documentary that captures this underground gay scene, one whose mark on pop culture is huge. LOGO's Jason Bellini calls it "The hottest new gay documentary."
This Director's Screening is dedicated to Willi Ninja (top right) and is preceded by a live vogueing performance by the House of Ninja (top left). Also scheduled is a special guest appearance by vogueing legend Benny Ninja (middle), the New York-based Father of the House of Ninja -- a title awarded him by the late Willy Ninja of "Paris Is Burning" fame. Of African-American, French and German descent, Benny Ninja appeared on "America's Next Top Model" Cycle 8 as a posing instructor for supermodel hopefuls.
A post-screening Q&A features filmmaker/director Busch (above left) and assistant director and Ballroom icon Kevin Omni (above right) in conversation with writer and film critic Brandon Judell. Currently film reviewer for indieWire.com and PopcornQ.com, Judell is the author of "The Gay Quote Book," a bestseller from Dutton/Plume.
More than 10 years in the making, "How Do I Look" focuses on members of Houses who worked outside the Ball scene with such superstars as Madonna, Queen Latifah, India Arie and fashion designer Thierry Mugler. Downtown luminaries Kevin Aviance, Michael Musto and Patricia Field comment on the scene.
An advocate and an artistic and social activist for the LGBT community since the late 80s, Wolfgang Busch is an award-winning director and editor. He has worked with such music legends as Tito Puente, bassist Pete Way of the UK rock band UFO, GWAR, Nina Hagen, Melba Moore, Willi Ninja and Robin Trower.
Community Awards will be presented to The House of Ninja & Out Professionals from Art From The Heart.
Location: The Goldman-Sonnenfeldt Auditorium of The JCC in Manhattan (photo below), 334 Amsterdam Ave @ West 76th St. NOTE: Photo ID required.
In advance: To register and pre-pay, visit JCC's website or call 646-505-5708.
At the door: Nonmembers, $10. OP or JCC Members, just $5.
Networking and socializing, 6 pm., beverages courtesy of OP/JCC. Live performance: 7 pm. Screening: 7:15 pm.
By Subway: 1, 2 or 3 to 72nd Street. By Bus: M7 or M11 to West 75th Street.
The JCC invites OP and OP.LYNX Members to learn more about other LGBTQ programs at its state-of-the-art facility. Visit them online.
Special thanks to: Sarah-Kay Lacks and Randi Klein of the JCC in Manhattan; to Louis Flores, James Applewhite, Mykel, Rodolpho Simons and Richard Davis; and to Michael Westwood, Ed Vladich, Jack Schlegel and Alina Wilczynski of Out Professionals and OP.LYNX.
Out Professionals Lead Sponsor
