Lesbian comedian Michele Balan performed at Wise Guys Comedy Club in Syracuse, New York on Thursday night, March 8, 2012

This was my first experience at Wise Guys Comedy Club.  After the specialty drink "Temptation by Stein," shared over  conversation with some new friends at the bar, we were treated to a buffet style
dinner.  Unlike the traditional buffet line at a wedding, this dinner boasted a fresh, 'good-looking' salad, carved turkey and roast beef, green beans with almonds, sweet carrots, bread, and two pasta choices that were both outstanding.

With a ticket price of only $50 for dinner and an hour and a half comedy show, it is certainly something I would highly recommend to friends!

By the time we left, my cheeks were hurting from laughing non-stop for over an hour and a half!   Michele brings such a diverse comedy skit to the stage that anyone and everyone in the audience will be able to relate and share in the laughter.  

If you weren't able to catch this show, check her website for more details and future events at: www.michelebalan.com

Connextions Magazine recently featured Michele Balan, click here to view the digital issue, and find her article and photos on pg. 52.

For more info on upcoming CNY Pride events, click to www.cnypride.org

GAYFEST NYC, Inc., is a not-for-profit corporation, which functions as a clearing house for new GLBT and other minority plays, and encourages and supports playwrights who address our lives, our issues and our concerns. Its 2010 Festival production of the musical ‘This One Girl’s Story,’ book by Bil Wright, music & lyrics by Dionne McClain-Freeney, is the recipient of a 2011 GLAAD Media Award nomination for Best Off-Off Broadway production. 

GAYFEST NYC, Inc. works throughout the year to fund its programs and hosts an annual benefit for the Harvey Milk High School (HMHS).  This event helps to pay for in-school education and mentoring programs at the school and contributes to the scholarship fund for the graduates. The education program, now in its fourth year, provides an accredited playwriting class as part of the school curriculum. GAYFEST NYC, Inc. administers the program and pays two teaching artists throughout the year to facilitate this class. At the end of the second semester each year professional Equity actors (12 this past June) are engaged to read the work developed by the students in class. This is done as an assembly for the entire student body of HMHS. The scholarship program was established in May 2007. Since that time GAYFEST NYC, Inc. has awarded 29 scholarships to graduates of the Harvey Milk High School. 

2011 Ballroom Gala 
This year’s event, which included a wonderful array of silent auction items, headlined such celebrities as Wanda Sykes, Michael Urie, Lance Horne, David Mixner, Cortés Alexander, Emily McNamara, and Justin Vivian Bond, among others. 

Cortés Alexander:  "Thank you for a life- affirming night like no other. I now have inspiration to carry me for a long, long time. If you'll have me, I'd love to be on your roster of talent that you can always count on whenever you need."  

Emily McNamara:  "Thank YOU for having me! It was truly an honor and I hope you feel that it was a success! Please call on me again. I'm always here to help for a good cause." 

Justin Vivian Bond:  "It was my pleasure to be involved in GAYFEST NYC this year.  It's always a privilege to lend service to a worthwhile organization such as the Harvey Milk High School." 

The Community Service Award presented by GAYFEST NYC, Inc., was given to David Mixner. David’s inspiring speech was legendary!... and left the speechless crowd with goosebumps. This Award is presented annually to a courageous visionary, and dedicated individual or organization whose selfless acts of care, sustained commitment and outstanding service have enhanced the
quality of life for members of the LGBT community. 

David Mixner:  "Thank you so much for the wonderful honor and spectacular evening. I was so thrilled to be a part of it." 

The men behind the production 
Congratulations to Bruce Robert Harris and Jack W. Batman for all their efforts, hard work, and dedicated community service! Connextions Magazine isn’t the only fan who wishes to applaud this dynamic duo… the Fresh Fruit Festival is also honoring Bruce and Jack as the 2011 recipients of the Harry Wieder Award for Community Service. 

Get involved 
"We will be producing a professional production of a new play in New York City this fall, and encourage your readers to look for us as we guarantee provocative, intelligent new work. We are also producing a major West End production of one of our GAYFEST NYC plays, ‘The Legacy’ by Adam Seigel." - Jack Batman. 

The Loews Regency Hotel has partnered to host next year’s ballroom gala, but in the meantime… get involved! Contributors can either go to the HMHS page on the website or send donations directly to GAYFEST NYC, Inc., One River Place, Suite 917, New York, NY 10036. www.GAYFESTNYC.com

As featured in Connextions Magazine, Issue 3.