Gay Bingo

Thank You Gay Bingo Patrons!

2010-06-21T10:06:00.000-07:00

The final Gay Bingo of the 2010 season was a great success last Saturday! Thank you to everyone who came out and played Bingo in support of Lifelong AIDS Alliance. Because of you, we are able to provide care and support for people living with HIV/AIDS and other life-changing illnesses in our community.

Check out the videos below to see some of the amazing performers from Beach Blanket Gay Bingo:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YritiTtlHEQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XnDN_o8S8-4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4FZAdV1jz40

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvuXj7UP2cQ

Check back soon - pictures of the evening to follow!

Beach Blanket Gay Bingo!!

2010-06-15T15:33:00.000-07:00

The FINAL Gay Bingo of the season is this weekend, June 19th. Get your tickets now!

Costume Inspiration, Part Deux

2010-05-18T15:18:00.000-07:00

As promised, here is Part II in the round-up of chic old dames. This bunch runs the gamut from socialites to celebrities, with a few adorable animals thrown in for good measure. (Because grandma's are bound to have a few cats/small dogs running around.)

Go forth Bingo Patrons, let your imaginations and make-up run wild!

Guest Caller: Sylvia O'Stayformore

2010-05-17T13:11:00.000-07:00

Seattle's Effervescent Hostess is coming to Bingo this month, and she's bringing her sidekick Tor with her!

Sylvia O'Stayformore has hosted a monthly show at Re-Bar, called "Bacon Strip," since 2005. Sylvia and Tor also have a show down at the Oriental Express that "explores rare Bacharach, vaudeville standards, girl group songs and original compositions. It’s true intimate cabaret at it’s finest." Check out details about Bacon Strip and Sylvia's other projects at her website here!

Blue Hair Costume Inspiration, Part 1

2010-05-11T14:47:00.000-07:00

There are so many fabulous ladies out there above 60, that we won't be able to fit them all into one post!

We'll start off with an easy one, Blanche, Rose, Sophia and Dorothy from Golden Girls.

Next comes the matronly styles of Mrs. Doubtfire.

Who wouldn't want to garner comparisons to these two below?

And finally the classic colors and hair of the over-60 set.

Check out local thrift stores, including Lifelong's own store on 11th and Union for costume duds and stay tuned for more fashionable grannies coming up!

May Guest Caller: Alison Arngrim

2010-05-04T12:31:00.000-07:00

You may recognize one of May's guest callers, Alison Arngrim, from the TV series Little House on the Prairie. On it, she played Nellie Oleson (left), the bully and mean girl who picked on Laura.

Well, she's all grown up now and has a new book out - Confessions of a Prairie Bitch: How I Survived Nellie Oleson and Learned To Love Being Hated. You can buy the book on Amazon here.

To get the latest about Alison and her adventures, check out her website.

Make sure to give a big Gay Bingo welcome to Alison on May 22nd and don't forget to buy your tickets!

Are you coming to Blue Hair Bingo?

2010-04-27T14:28:00.000-07:00

50% of tickets are already sold for Blue Hair Gay Bingo. This event is definitely going to sell out, so do not delay. Buy your tickets here now!

It's all on tape!

2010-04-23T08:44:00.000-07:00

We've got videos from last weekend's Biker Babe Gay Bingo.

You can watch Aleksa's performances, as well as Jenny Penny as she defies gravity with her aerial acrobatics!

Aleksa's first performance:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_3du9TXHfI8

Jenny Penny:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9iTxzWWaJMw

Aleksa's second performance:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NOhJiZBEEfI

Highlights from Biker Babe Bingo

2010-04-20T11:41:00.001-07:00

Jenny Penny Brings Bingo To A New Level

2010-04-19T14:35:00.000-07:00

We had the lovely Jenny Penny as a guest caller at last weekend's Biker Babe Bingo. And boy - did she do a great job!

You can watch the full video here.

Jenny is also part of the non-profit The 4 Horsemen. Check out their website to see how they help local artists/performers become entrepreneurs.

What's YOUR costume going to look like?

2010-04-15T09:19:00.000-07:00

Here in the Gay Bingo offices we've already started putting together our Biker Babe outfits for Saturday. Have you started brainstorming?

Below you'll find some sources of inspiration we've assembled to help get your creative juices flowing:

We'll start off with the serious attitude displayed by The Runaways above. Does anyone have a red leather catsuit they can borrow?

If wearing all purple is more your style, you can channel the indomitable Prince.

You can go the old-school route and adopt the stylings of Marlon Brando in 'The Wild One'

Or take a more contemporary approach and model yourself after Lady Gaga in her 'Telephone' music video.

And last but not least, we have to have at least one Fonzie present this weekend!

April 17, Biker Babe Gay Bingo is SOLD OUT!

2010-04-13T10:04:00.000-07:00

Biker Babe Gay Bingo may be sold out, but we still have two fantastic bingo events lined up in the 2010 season. Get your tickets to Blue Hair Gay Bingo on Saturday,May 22 or Beach Blanket Gay Bingo on Saturday, June 19 today!

Where DO we get all those fantastic photos?

2010-04-08T11:30:00.000-07:00

Some of you may be wondering who is responsible for all the photos you see here on the Gay Bingo Blog. Well, we are lucky enough to have Ben Zheng documenting the 2010 season for Lifelong. Ben was good enough to sit down with us and tell us a little bit of what goes on behind the camera. Read on!

From Ben:

I have been an art student since elementary school and I used to do a lot of sketches and drawings. I used to have my own studio, but I am waiting to get a bigger apartment so that I can set it up again. Fortunately, digital photography does not require that much space and my sense of artistry can be captured in a different fashion.

I have had so much fun shooting the Gay Bingo events organized by Lifelong AIDS Alliance and I truly believe that they are making a difference together with all the loving people who attend.

You can check out more of Ben's work on his blog here!

Biker Babe Bingo is Coming!

2010-03-31T08:38:00.000-07:00

It's two weeks out from the April 17th Biker Babe Gay Bingo, but be forwarned: there's only 200 tickets left and they're selling fast!

Get your leather jacket on, head to the website and buy your tickets now!

Toga! Toga! Toga!

2010-03-24T08:28:00.000-07:00

Check out some of the awesome costumes from last weekend's When in Rome Gay Bingo. People really went all out!

Photos courtesy of Ben Zheng.

Brazilian Samba, Wowza!

2010-03-23T15:18:00.000-07:00

The Brazilian samba group, VaMoLa, wow-ed the crowd at last Saturday's Gay Bingo. With their flashy outfits and amazing head-dresses they really put on a show!

Thanks, VaMoLa for coming out!

Photos courtesy of Ben Zheng.

Going... Going... Gone!

2010-03-16T09:40:00.000-07:00

Alright folks, The March 20th When in Rome Gay Bingo is SOLD OUT!

We do have tickets for all remaining months. The dates and themes are:

April 17th - Biker Babe Gay Bingo: Strap on For a Wild Ride!
May 22nd - Blue Hair Gay Bingo: Still Not Your Grandma's Bingo
June 19th - Beach Blanket Gay Bingo: It's The Wildest, Wettest Game in Town!

You better buy 'em soon, though. April's Biker Babe Bingo is a hot ticket and we've already sold more than half our tickets. Don't miss out next month!

March Guest Caller: Ben DeLaCreme

2010-03-12T11:21:00.000-08:00

We have a Bingo Virgin at this month's event: Ben DeLaCreme! She'll be guest calling during the second half of When In Rome Gay Bingo.

If you like what you see next weekend, she's also being featured in the Theater Off Jackson's SPF #4 festival on April 1, 2, 3. Why not double your fun this month with a fabulous entertainer!

Et tu, Gaysha?

2010-03-10T08:53:00.000-08:00

We all want to know what goes on behind the flashy clothes and well-coiffed hairstyles of our Bingo hostesses. Well now's our chance! We sat down with Gaysha Starr recently and asked her a handful of questions from the Proust Questionnaire.

Take a peek at the interview with Gaysha below and get to know your March Gay Bingo Host!

What is your idea of perfect happiness? A day where I don't have any stress or worries and I have my two pups, Maximus and Nina, to cuddle with.
What is your greatest fear? Rejection.
What historical figure do you most identify with? Rosa Parks because she stood firm for what she believed in and was tired of giving in.
Which living person do you most admire? I admire anyone that lives their life with truth and humility.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself? Procrastination.
What trait do you most deplore in others? When others do not meet their personal best or self potential.
What is your greatest extravagance? I have an extra bedroom that I use as a walk in closet for all Miss Starr's wardrobe and accoutrements.
What is your favorite journey? Recently, the two hour journey it takes getting into drag, both physically and mentally.
Which phrases do you most overuse? "Oh girl!" and "Tell me everything!"
What is your current state of mind? Zen-like, with a side of coffee buzz.

Welcome Back, Gaysha Starr!

2010-03-05T09:48:00.000-08:00

March 20th's When in Rome Gay Bingo will be hosted by the one and only Gaysha Starr.

You may not recognize Gaysha without her bedazzled shutter shades and dauber, but she was the host of the Bling Bling and Over the Top Circus Gay Bingos in the 2009 season.

Head over to the website to buy tickets to see Gaysha at this month's event!

Get Inspired!

2010-03-03T10:43:00.000-08:00

The time has come to start brainstorming your costumes for When in Rome Gay Bingo! Here in the LLAA offices, we've compiled some suggested viewing material from the big- and small-screen to help get your creative juices flowing.

We'll start off with a few classics, Ben Hur (1959) and Cleopatra (1963). I know there are two people out there ready to channel the extravagant styles of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton!

Ben Hur

Cleopatra

Next comes a more recent portrayal of ancient roman times with Russell Crowe in Gladiator (2000).

And who could leave out John Belushi's iconic role in Animal House (1978)?

From the small screen we have HBO's dramatic series 'Rome.'

And from near-by Greece comes Xena: Warrior Princess and Hercules: The Legendary Journeys.

Xena

Hercules

So head to the movie store and start taking notes. You never know, it could be you collecting the costume prize next this month!

Volunteers Make the (Gay Bingo) World Go 'Round!

2010-02-24T10:44:00.000-08:00

Did you know that it takes over 50 volunteers each month to put on Gay Bingo? Dedicated folks offer their time with nearly every aspect of the event.

Checking in your coat? That's a volunteer helping you.

The registration table? Also staffed by volunteers.

Helping you find your seats? Our wonderful ushers.

Serving your Queens For A Day table, ringing you up at the bar, selling special games, working in the marketplace, helping you in the food court? They're all volunteers!

And let's not forget the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence! They participate every month, verifying bingos and bringing their own incomparable style and panache to the evening.

So, please take a moment and say "thank you!" to a volunteer next time you attend Gay Bingo. Without them, none of us would be able to partake in this unique and fun event.

If you are interested in becoming a Gay Bingo volunteer, or getting involved with Lifelong AIDS Alliance in other ways, please visit our website or email volunteer@llaa.org.

All photos courtesy of Ben Zheng

"Bad Romance" makes for Great Entertainment

2010-02-22T09:54:00.000-08:00

Saturday February 20, Racy and Lacy Gay Bingo was taken to another level with this stellar performance of Lady Gaga's Bad Romance. Aleksa Manila worked the crowd while the Rhythm Knights Dancers provided the perfect accompaniment.

Special thanks to Gay Bingo photographer Ben Zheng for capturing all the action!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FcbuZ0KOGA8

SOLD OUT!!

2010-02-19T09:53:00.001-08:00

This Saturday's Racy & Lacy Gay Bingo is now SOLD OUT!

If you weren't able to get tickets for this month, head to the website to buy your tickets for any of the remaining months. Make it snappy though, because they'll go fast!

March 20th - When in Rome Gay Bingo: Eh tu, Bingo?

April 17th - Biker Babe Gay Bingo: Strap in for a Wild Ride!

May 22nd - Blue Hair Gay Bingo: Still Not Your Grandmother's Bingo

June 19th - Beach Blanket Bingo: It's The Wettest, Wildest Game in Town!

If you did get tickets to Racy & Lacy Gay Bingo, can't wait to see you there!

Darling Iva

2010-02-17T09:48:00.000-08:00

We recently asked the fabulous Iva Handfull to answer the Proust Questionnaire for our Bingo Blog readers. Read on and get to know this lovely lady before her performance on Saturday!

Which living person do you most admire? Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails

What is your greatest extravagance? Clothing

What do you consider the most overrated virtue? Youth, you only look "young" for about 5-10 years of your life. The rest of our lives we are trying to look like we did for that short period of time.

Which words or phrases do you overuse? "Actually" ... as if I'm lying every other time. "Not bad" ...why can't I say "it's good" or "it's decent?" Why be negative?

What is your greatest regret? Going to school for accounting and not fashion design.

What do you consider your greatest achievement? Passing the CPA exam.

What is your most treasured possession? My Dolce & Gabbana corset belt.

What is your most marked characteristic? It's a toss up: my stage energy or my boobs.

Who are your heroes in real life? Teachers, because they shape peoples minds.

Thanks, Iva; we can't wait to see you this weekend!

You too can be a Gay Bingo Costume Contest Winner!

2010-02-10T12:24:00.000-08:00

One of the most exciting elements of Gay Bingo is getting to see all of the awesome costumes our guests put together each month. There is always a wide spectrum of outfits. Some incorporate small elements of the theme and others truly go all out. (Anyone remember the two cotton candy ladies from March Circus Bingo last year?)

Traditionally, only the most ambitious patrons had the chance to win prizes in our Costume Contest. This year, we've changed it up a bit. Now anyone who wears something theme-specific (whether it be a little or a lot) is entered into our Costume Raffle. During the games, one ticket will be drawn and the winner for February will receive a $50 Peaks Frozen Custard gift card!

Start hunting for your racy, lacy outfit now and you could be our next lucky winner!

Here are some pictures of our January winner and other fabulous costumes from Boot Camp Gay Bingo.

Spotlight on February Guest Caller Iva Handfull

2010-02-09T15:19:00.000-08:00

Photo credits: Fiona Minx Photography (above), POC Photography (below)

According to her bio, Iva Handfull "is a modern heathen in the Burlesque world, an albino Grace Jones, both a fashion Icon and rock & roll Diva. Mz. Handfull is a contemporary, modern, alternative neo-Burlesquer known for her inventive, intense, epic, and oftentimes impersonating performances."

For our event, Mz. Handfull will be channeling the one and only Prince!

Get more information on, see pictures and watch video of Iva Handfull here.

“We’re fools whether we dance or not, so we might as well dance!”

2010-02-04T12:03:00.000-08:00

The Rhythm Knights Dance Troupe is coming back to Gay Bingo!!

If anyone attended the January 2009 Bingo, you know how amazing these folks are. We're lucky to have the group shakin' it again this month at Racy and Lacy Gay Bingo for a special performance with Aleksa Manila.

Check out some pictures from last year:

You can find more information about the Rhythm Knights and upcoming performances here.

We can't wait to see what they've got up their (dare we hope, lacy?) sleeves this time!

Getting to know your Boot Camp Gay Bingo Host

2010-01-27T15:27:00.000-08:00

Aleksa Manila is no stranger to Gay Bingo having now hosted her fourth event, but we know you want to know more. Rather than having security escort you off stage next month at Racy and Lacy Gay Bingo, we sat down with your lovely host and a handful of questions from the Proust Questionnaire to delve a little more deeply into what makes this drag queen tick

1. Who is your favorite hero of fiction?

Wonder Woman is confident, sexy and gets things done! But, I always wondered about how she maintained and put gas in her invisible jet!

2. Who are your heroes in real life?

My hero in real life is my mother who is tenacious and valiant. She's a survivor, continually has a positive outlook in life and always sees the beauty in everything and everyone.

3. What is your greatest extravagance?

A Gucci bag for $50 from the Goodwill. I mean, really - it's Gucci, but it's the Goodwill!

4. What is your favorite journey?

This one! Despite the downs, I always try to look up! Heels or flats!

5. What do you consider the most overrated virtue?

Patience, of course! I said 8:00 pm, not 8:15, and certainly not 10:00 pm. I don't necessarily believe in being fashionably late either. Unless I'm waiting for a baby to be born, then I'll patiently wait.

6. What are your favorite names?

Aleksa & Manila definitely!

7. Which talent would you most like to have?

To be able to play the piano! Or any percussion instrument for that matter. I just know Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star by number on the piano.

8. Which living person do you most despise?

Who?

Videos From January 16 Boot Camp Gay Bingo

2010-01-21T13:22:00.000-08:00

A snapshot of Gay Bingo's fabulous new home at Fremont Studios!
Sister Stella Standing and Lifelong Executive Director David Richart ask the Gay Bingo audience for their support.
The Sugarplum Elves perform an adorable song rendition.

January 16 Boot Camp Gay Bingo: Gay Bingo LOVES a Man in Uniform!

2010-01-20T14:13:00.001-08:00

Aleksa Manila helped Lifelong AIDS Alliance kick off the 17th season of Gay Bingo with a Boot Camp theme.

Hundreds of guests donned crisp uniforms and Fremont Studios was filled with camoflage and pink as far as the eye could see!

Fire in the Hole!!!

2010-01-12T13:52:00.000-08:00

Get ready for January's delicious signature cocktail, a truly inspired Boot Camp beverage.

Fire in the Hole!!!

Featuring:

Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey

Cranberry Juice

Pineapple Juice

Get Ready for BOOT CAMP Bingo!

2010-01-12T13:43:00.000-08:00

The kickoff to the 2010 Gay Bingo season is just around the corner, this Saturday January 16!

What better way to brainstorm the perfect boot camp costume than by watching some classic army-inspired flicks. Here are some of our favorites. What are yours???

Saving Private Ryan

Pearl Harbor
An Office and a Gentleman

MASH! Stripes