
I see you got to spend time with the late great Big Ang. When did you meet her, and what was she like?
Oh my god. I’m gonna cry now!! She was an amazing person! King Ralphy introduced me to her! I had been doing my impression of her here and there, and he would send her pics of me. She loved her drag queens.
King Ralphy arranged for me to meet her at Paradise last summer in Asbury. Kingy was like, “Angela, that’s the queen who does the impression of you that I’ve been sending you!” She goes, “Oh my God baby, come give me a hug! It’s so nice to meet you! You look great!! Just make sure you keep winning!” [Laughs] I think I win every time I perform as her! That impression always makes the crowd laugh and cry. When I’m on stage as her, I’m paying tribute to the larger-than-life person who brought so much joy into the hearts and homes of everyone who watched and knew her! She is extremely missed.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXS3WiM0CBs
THOTTESY COUNTESS MASCARA ANGELA RAIOLA KING RALPHY
"Our initial plan was to go somewhere and watch the Parade, however, before I knew it, my apartment was full of drag queens and club kids and one King Ralphy who invited us to a Pride party he was hosting at Midtown Loft and Terrace. It’s around the block from my place and on a rooftop on a gorgeous summer day in Manhattan? Sign me up!"
For this gal, Pride is about friends and drinks, and drinks with friends. I’ll go anywhere for these said drinks with friends, and have spent past Prides in some very interesting places. Last year I made no plans and had not a clue how I was going to spend Pride Sunday. I woke up in a stupor at a stranger’s apartment in Hell’s Kitchen Sunday morning after a wild romp the night before at Vlada. We took a cab to my place so I could change outfits and touch up my face. (Yes, I often need little touch ups.) Our initial plan was to go somewhere and watch the Parade, however, before I knew it, my apartment was full of drag queens and club kids and one King Ralphy who invited us to a Pride party he was hosting at Midtown Loft and Terrace. It’s around the block from my place and on a rooftop on a gorgeous summer day in Manhattan? Sign me up!
It turned out to be the best Pride I’d ever experienced. I was with wonderful friends in a beautiful space, looking down at the Parade below and listening to some really spectacular music. I’m hard to impress as I can be a disenchanted little Demanda from time to time, but even this got a smile out of me. I couldn’t have felt the love more, from my friends, from the other party goers, to DJ Michael Hades, who throws the Pridefest. Although I remember very little (after all, I did take advantage of the open bar), it was a Pride I will never forget.
So this year, I’m doing the same. Yep, there is no place I’d rather be. I’m going to gather up my troops and we’re going to party it up again, on that rooftop with that kick ass music and all that love. And I know it’s going to be spectacular. Big Ang from Mob Wives is celebrating her birthday, and this woman is one of the most hysterical I’ve seen in a while. DJ Jerome Farley is flying in from Barcelona to celebrate his 40th birthday by spinning in the loft while the mastermind behind what a great party is, Michael Hades, is on the rooftop.
Nowhere else I’d rather be, and nowhere else I’m going.
Have a wonderful Pride, and see ya there!
liquor and love,
d. dahling
THE ESSENTIALS
Pride: A Deeper Love
Midtown Loft and Terrace – 267 Fifth Avenue
Noon – 7p
Started in 2004 as a joint venture between Mark Nelson and Chris Wright, Fairgrounds “Out at Night” has evolved over the past 10 years to be the main fall outdoor event in the tri-state and beyond area.
The event has raised more than $400,000 for non-profits including Heritage of Pride, The Task Force Action Fund, The Gay Center in NYC, ASPCA, The Imperial Court and others.
Originally, the focus was to create a safe environment for LGBTQI people, which Nelson and Wright felt wasn’t being done fully at similar amusement parks. As the years have progressed, they have opened up their target market for those who love a great night out and want to be free to be who and what they are without judgments.
This is the only event where the entire LGBTQI community is out in force and equal in numbers as far as age, ethnicity, size, etc. In other words, Latinos, Chelsea boys, butch and lipstick ladies, couples with children (you can come during day and stay into private night) and 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s and beyond ages. People attend from all over, including New York City, Philadelphia, Jersey, Washington, Connecticut and more.
Whether you like world-renown roller coasters, midway attractions, enjoying the crisp autumn air, meeting old and making new friends or dancing under the stars, this is the event!
As producers, Nelson and Wright have been on top of their game, having brought A-List entertainment to their events over the years, including Janet Jackson, Sylvia Tosun, Jennifer Lopez, Cindy Lauper, Ultra Nate, Colton Ford, Charo, Zhana, Vassy, Meg, Bex, Neon Hitch, Pussycat Dolls, Jennifer Hudson, Martha Wash, Joi Cardwell, Melissa Gorga, Big Ang, Brian Kent, Quentin Elias, Angie Stone, Porcelain Black, Kylie Minogue, Katy Perry and more. These guys have been quietly ruling the roost!
This year, they are proud to present the incredible Zelma Davis (lead vocalist of C+C Music Factory), G POW (named one of the top up-and-coming girl groups in the U.S.) and Circuit Party Matinee’s house diva, Natascha Bessez!
The internationally renowned DJ lineup will include Hector Fonseca, DJ Grind, Steve Sidewalk and introducing Jared Conner from Philadelphia.
The event also features Cheer New York and special hosts Lady Havokk, Vinny Vega, King Ralphy, Akash Abraham, Jason Hellinger, JT and Jose MX, Billy Cavallo, Nicole Sanders, Matthew Camp, Tom Orlando, The Imperial Court and members of the Task Force.
More than 10,000 are expected, while the park holds more than 60,000 featuring the biggest drop in the world (double the Statue of Liberty) Zumanjaro and of course the scream machine, KINGDA KA!
The 11th Annual Fairgrounds: Out At Night Returns!
Saturday, Sept. 6, 2014
Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson, NJ. The largest LGBT private party in the nation!
Invite your family, invite your friends … the park is ours!
Main Stage DJs:
Hector Fonseca, Grind, Steve Sidewalk, Jared Conner.
Entertainment:
Cheer NY, Zelma Davis, G-POW, Circuit Party Matinee’s House Diva Natascha Bessez.
TIX:
SixFlagsFairgrounds.com
Produced by:
Mark Nelson and Chris Wright in association with Vinny Vega.
Benefits the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Action Fund, NY LGBT Center and the ASPCA.
From 10:30 a.m. – 8 p.m. Your ticket grants you early admission to the park. At 8 p.m. the park closes to the general public and opens for the LGBT community, family and friends. No refunds. Anyone without a bracelet will be asked to leave.
Published on
The dinner journal of the 29th Annual Night of a Thousand Gowns charity ball to benefit The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Center and The National LGBTQ Task Force, held Saturday, April 11, 2015 in New York City.
Fitness Papi and AJ Sloan meet up after an intense sweaty workout to raw dog it. After Papi finishes, AJ pushes the *** into Papi’s mouth....