Queen Mary 2 Historic Crossing

Margaret Cho

Margaret Cho was born and raised in San Francisco and started performing stand-up at age 16 in a comedy club called The Rose & Thistle above a bookstore her parents ran.  Soon after, she won a comedy contest where first prize was opening for Jerry Seinfeld.  She moved to Los Angeles in the early '90s and lived in a house with several other young performers.

Still in her early twenties, Cho hit the college circuit, where she immediately became the most booked act in the market and garnered a nomination for Campus Comedian of The Year. Arsenio Hall introduced her to late night audiences, Bob Hope put her on a prime time special and, seemingly overnight, Margaret Cho became a national celebrity.

She starred in a short-lived ABC sitcom called All-American Girl.  In 1999, Cho chronicled her experience on the sitcom in an off Broadway one-woman show called I'm The One That I Want. The show was extremely well received and toured the U.S.  After the success of her first show, Cho launched Notorious C.H.O. in 2001, a smash-hit 37-city national tour that culminated in a sold-out concert at Carnegie Hall.  Cho embarked on her third sold-out national tour, Revolution, in 2003.  The concert film premiered on the Sundance Channel in 2004 and was released on DVD later that year. The CD of Revolution was nominated for a Grammy for best comedy album of the year for 2003.

In 2004, Cho took her politically charged State of Emergency tour through the swing states of the Presidential election.  Her most political and topical work to date, Assassin toured the US, Canada and Australia and was filmed at the Warner Theatre in Washington D.C.

Cho has also completed her first narrative feature, Bam Bam and Celeste, which she has described as a fag and fag hag "Dumb and Dumber." Bam Bam and Celeste, directed by Lorene Machado and written by and starring Cho, premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in late 2005 and has since played at the AFI Fest, Frameline, Fusion, and the London Lesbian & Gay Film Festival.

In addition to her busy touring schedule, Cho also maintains an award-winning blog, has taken up belly dancing, and in the spring of 2006 started hosting her own monthly burlesque, comedy and belly dance showcase called "The Sensuous Woman." Featuring an ever-changing lineup of comedians, belly dancers and burlesque superstars, "The Sensuous Woman" is currently playing monthly in Los Angeles, and will soon be seen in New York and San Francisco. Says Cho, "There's a lot of gender swapping and gender play. It's the gayest show you could have with women stripping in it."

Margaret was recently the recipient of the First Amendment Award from the ACLU of Southern California, and the Intrepid Award from the National Organization for Women (NOW). She has also been honored by GLAAD, American Women in Radio and Television, the Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund, the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force (NGLTF), the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund (AALDEF), and PFLAG for "making a significant difference in promoting equal rights for all, regardless of race, sexual orientation or gender identity."

Check out her tour page at www.margaretcho.com.

Ian Harvie

“Ian Harvie is on a mission. Sure, the Transgender stand-up comic wants to make audiences laugh, but only if s/he can humanize Trans people at the same time. Harvie, who plays to mainstream comedy establishments around the country, including the Boston Comedy Connection, and the Funny Bone clubs, contends that s/he’s the only Trans comic on the circuit.”
– San Francisco Bay Times, July 2006

Ian grew up on Beaver Pond (for real) in rural mountain town, Bridgton, Maine until the age of twelve. Ian’s first comedy performance was in a family variety show on New Years Day 1975. “I was standing in front of a fitted sheet that was hanging on a clothesline in the spare bedroom of my Aunt and Uncle's house in Rochester, New Hampshire. It was a period in my life when I was obsessed with the Carol Burnett Show and her whole cast,” Ian recalls. Channeling the energies of Tim Conway and Rich Little, Ian executed an impression of Richard Little doing an impression of Richard Nixon – a complicated and technical feat. “As I recall, my impression killed. So what if the audience of all 7 or 8 people were family members.” s/he laughs. For years after that, Ian received regular requests for that impression and obliged every time. Still to this day, if a family member were to ask, Ian would do it in a heartbeat.

Today, Ian’s material draws from personal experiences and pokes fun at adolescence, family, sexuality, and substance abuse. Ian's sharp wit and hilarious punches give insight through a different set of lenses. Using expressive, quick misdirects, Ian's well-crafted humor has been seen in Outlaugh Festival 2006 (to air on MTV's Logo Network January 2007), was a finalist in the 2006 LA’s Gay Mafia Comedy Contest, The Improv in Hollywood and The World Famous Comedy Store on Sunset Strip.  Please visit Ian on the web at www.IanHarvie.com

Franc D’Ambrosio

Franc D’Ambrosio earned the title “The World’s Longest Running Phantom” and – with the success of his 3 year, 150 city, sold out tour in his one man show “Franc D’Ambrosio’s BROADWAY” – he has joined the ranks of the famed Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman, as one of the handful of Phantom alumni to successfully crossover into a flourishing solo career. D’Ambrosio’s breath taking voice & charismatic stage presence have captivated even the critic’s. David Wiegand of the San Francisco Chronicle said “Give this boy a big standing O!” (April 2006).

Ann Hampton Callaway

ANN HAMPTON CALLAWAY is one of the finest singer/songwriters of our time. The statuesque performer dazzles music lovers as a singer, pianist, composer, lyricist, arranger, actress, and educator. Her talents have made her equally at home in jazz and pop as well as on stage, in the recording studio, on TV and in film. She is best known for starring in the hit Broadway musical "SWING!" and for writing and singing the theme to the internationally successful TV series, "THE NANNY".
Ann has become a favorite in the jazz and pops concert circuit, appearing as special guest artist with Wynton Marsalis and the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra and with Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops at Symphony Hall and Tanglewood. She has sung with over twenty five of the nation's top orchestras and big bands. She performed for President Clinton in Washington D.C. and was the invited guest performer for President Gorbachev's Youth Peace Summit in Moscow. Recently, she returned to Moscow for a sold-out engagement with Russian jazz star Igor Butman at Le Club. Ann has performed twice in Berlin's famed Philharmonic Hall by special invitation.
Ann recently signed with Telarc Records and is preparing to record her first CD for them due in May of 2006. Ann's last CD, SLOW, (Shanachie Entertainment), garnered high critical acclaim and is her most emotionally revealing and pop inspired album to date. Other CD recordings include EASY LIVING (After 9), TO ELLA WITH LOVE (After 9), AFTER OURS (Denon), BRING BACK ROMANCE (DRG), ANN HAMPTON CALLAWAY (DRG) and the award winning live recording, SIBLING REVELRY (DRG). She has also been a guest artist on over forty CDs.
Another milestone was composing "At the Same Time" for Barbra Streisand and having Ms. Streisand record the peace anthem ten years to the date after she wrote it. That recording, HIGHER GROUND, debuted nationally at #1, giving Ann her first of three platinum records. Ms. Streisand asked Ann to write lyrics to a Rolf Lovland melody, which she entitled "I've Dreamed of You". Ms. Streisand received the song three hours before she was getting married and sang the song to James Brolin at their wedding. She later recorded it for her CD, A LOVE LIKE OURS, released as a single and selected it for THE ESSENTIAL BARBRA STREISAND. She performed both of these songs on her live double CD, TIMELESS, for which Ann also wrote patter by Barbra's request. Ms. Streisand later chose Ann's song "A Christmas Lullaby" for her holiday CD, CHRISTMAS MEMORIES.  Visit her on the web at www.AnnHamptonCallaway.com

Liz Callaway

Award-winning actress, singer and recording artist Liz Callaway made her Broadway debut in Stephen Sondheim’s Merrily We Roll Along. She received a Tony Award nomination for her performance in Baby, and for five years, sang Memory as Grizabella in Cats. She has also starred in the original casts of Miss Saigon, The Three Musketeers, and The Look of Love.

Off-Broadway, she received a Drama Desk nomination for her performance in  The Spitfire Grill, and  also appeared in No Way to Treat a Lady, Marry Me a Little, Godspell, and Brownstone. Other New York appearances include Hair in Concert, the legendary Follies in Concert at Lincoln Center, A Stephen Sondheim Evening, and Fiorello! at Encores! She also starred as Venus in the Chicago Ovations! production of One Touch of Venus, and in Elegies at Reprise! in Los Angeles.

The award-winning Sibling Revelry (created with sister Ann Hampton Callaway) was presented to great acclaim at the Donmar Warehouse in London.  Originally produced at New York’s Rainbow and Stars, the show was recorded live by DRG Records. Relative Harmony, also created with her sister opened to rave reviews in New York and Los Angeles. She had the pleasure of co-starring with Jimmy Webb & Paul Williams in their critically acclaimed engagement at Feinstein’s in New York. Her extensive concert and symphony work includes appearances at The Kennedy Center, Carnegie Hall, The Hollywood Bowl, and on tour with the Boston Pops. Worldwide, she has performed in China, Iceland, Estonia, Germany, France, and Slovenia.

Liz sang the Academy Award-nominated song “Journey to the Past” in the animated feature Anastasia. Liz is also the singing voice of Princess Jasmine in Disney’s The Return of Jafar, and Aladdin and the King of Thieves. Other film work includes the singing voice of the title character in The Swan Princess, Lion King 2:Simba’s Pride, Beauty and the Beast, and The Brave Little Toaster Goes to Mars.

She received an Emmy Award for hosting Ready to Go, a daily, live children’s program on CBS in Boston.  Other TV credits include In Performance at the White House, Inside the Actor’s Studio: Stephen Sondheim, Christmas with the Boston Pops, The David Letterman Show, and Senior Trip (CBS Movie of the Week).

Liz has released 3 solo recordings: The Beat Goes On (featuring music of the 60’s), The Story Goes On: Liz Callaway On and Off-Broadway, and Anywhere I Wander (The music of Frank Loessor). Her numerous other recordings include Unsung Sondheim, Unsung Irving Berlin, Lost in Boston, The Maury Yeston Songbook, and Hair in Concert. To find out more please visit www.LizCallaway.com

Suzanne Westenhoefer

Fearless. Bold. Sparkly. Hilarious. That’s Suzanne Westenhoefer in a nutshell. She’s made a career out of telling the truth. And, the truth is, life is funny (and no one is off limits). From her sister’s obsession with “Passion of the Christ” to her girlfriend’s Herculean thighs, Suzanne tells stories that leave audiences in stitches.

Suzanne works mostly unscripted, so when she hits the stage it’s an unpredictable, original night of comedy magic. Since winning her first comedy competition on a dare in the early 1990s, Suzanne’s career has taken off.

Suzanne stars nightly on the GSN’s remake of the classic game show, “I’ve Got a Secret,” entertaining audiences as the “token girl” on a hilarious all-gay panel with ex-Major League Baseball player Billy Bean, radio icon Frank DeCaro and Broadway’s Jermaine Taylor.

Notable television appearances include “The Late Show with David Letterman,” “Politically Incorrect with Bill Maher,” “Evening at the Improv,” “Caroline’s Comedy Hour,” “Arli$$” and more. Her live comedy special “A Night at the Village” runs on LOGO and Bravo. She frequently appears as a commentator on E!, VH1 and Country Music Television. Her life in comedy was chronicled in the documentary “Laughing Matters” (2004).

The first openly gay comedian in New York, Suzanne did gay material to straight audiences in mainstream comedy clubs. She was the first lesbian comedian to garner an HBO Comedy Special, which earned her a Cable Ace Award nomination. On land or at sea, Suzanne delights audiences with over 100 performances a year at theatres, clubs, colleges, fundraisers and cruise and resort vacations (Olivia and RSVP Vacations). Touring with the Indigo Girls and Ani DiFranco made Suzanne wish she’d been born a rockstar.

COMEDY CDS / DVD & AWARDS
“HBO Comedy with Suzanne Westenhoefer” (1994) : Nominated for a Cable Ace
Award
“Nothing in my Closet but my Clothes” (1999): Gay and Lesbian American Music
Award (GLAMA) winner for best comedy CD
“I’m Not Cindy Brady” (2000): GLAMA winner for best comedy CD
“Guaranteed Fresh” (2003) : GLAMA winner for best comedy CD
“Live at the Village” (2006)

Discover more about Suzanne on the web at www.SuzanneW.com

Amy Armstrong & Freddy Allen

Of all the entertainers performing today, Amy Armstrong and Freddy Allen are the ones standing out above the rest.  This Chicago-based “Dynamic Duo” has been captivating audiences for over ten years.

Amy and Freddy have performed in cities coast to coast, including Los Angeles, New York, St. Louis, Key West, San Francisco, St. Paul, Seattle, Detroit, Saugatuck, Provincetown, Denver, Puerto Vallarta, Ft. Lauderdale, Grand Rapids, and Chicago.  In 1998, their travel took them to Denmark where were the featured artists at Copenhagen’s New Year’s Concert.  They have been the opening act for several familiar names including Mary Wilson and the Supremes, Phyllis Diller, Bea Arthur, Jennifer Holiday, Judy Tenuta, Lois Bromfeld, and Judy Gold.  For over six years, they have been considered as one of the most popular cabaret acts for RSVP Cruise Lines.  RSVP has hired Amy and Freddy as their 2007 “Entertainment Ambassadors.”

This past summer Amy and Freddy completed their second season at the Crown and Anchor in Provincetown, MA, and returned to the Crystal Room at LaTeDa in Key West, FL.  During summer 2007, they will spend their third summer playing Provincetown and are quickly becoming a mainstay attraction in the resort town.

When Amy and Freddy are not on tour, they are headlining in Chicago at Roscoe’s on Monday nights and @mosphere on Wednesday night.  They are also proud to be entertainers for the University of Illinois GLBT Program.

Originally from Detroit; Amy has been a professional entertainer since she was a young child.  Her powerful and soulful voice mesmerizes listeners while her hilarious and risqué’ humor keeps them doubled over in laughter.  Amy made her home in Chicago in 1995 and quickly became on the Windy City’s hottest talents.

Freddy, Amy’s pianist and music director, has been a professional musician for over twenty years.  After moving from St. Louis in 1995, Freddy successfully made his name as one of Chicago’s most well known pianists.  When he is not performing with Amy, Freddy works as a free-lance musician and teaches piano and voice.

Amy and Freddy have produced four very successful albums; Amy and Freddy – the debut, Life is a Cabaret, Naturally Flawless and Feeling Good.  All of the recordings have been recognized nationally, and have received rave reviews.

Amy’s beautiful voice, edgy humor and quick wit, combined with Freddy’s impeccable musical arrangements and sly repartee, creates an evening of enjoyable and unforgettable entertainment.

For more info please visit them on the web at www.AmyFreddy.com

Jeffery Roberson (Varla Jean Merman)

Jeffery Roberson just returned from a one-week engagement at the Sydney Opera House with his newest show Varla Jean Merman is Anatomically Incorrect.  He also played the role of  Mary Sunshine in the revival of Chicago on Broadway.  He shared the Outfest Film Festival "Best Actor" Award and the Aspen HBO Film Festival "Best Actress" Award with his costars Jack Plotnick and Clinton Leupp for his featured performance in Girls Will Be Girls (Sundance Film Festival) directed by Richard Day.  His shows Varla Jean Merman's I'm Not Paying For This, Girl With A Pearl Necklace; An Act Of Love, Under A Big Top, Holiday Ham!, All Washed Up! and The Very Worst of Varla Jean Merman have filled concert halls and cabarets across the world including Carnegie Hall, the New York Public Theater, the Sydney Opera House, London’s Soho Theatre, Melbourne’s Forum Theatre, LA's Renberg Theatre, and San Francisco's Victoria Theatre.

Jeffery wrote and starred in the short Improve Your History with Varla Jean: Stonewall, for the launch of the MTV's new television network Logo.  In May 2006, he was the opening act at Vienna's LifeBall, Europe's largest fundraiser for AIDS research, where he performed on the same bill with Sharon Stone, Catherine Deneuve and Naomi Campbell.   He recently won rave reviews for directing and starring in Shut Up!, Sweet Charlotte in New Orleans at Le Petit Theatre this past November and the production will have a return three week engagement in May, 2007.

Jeffery also made his network television debut on ABC's All My Children in the recurring role of lady of the evening Rosemary Chicken. He also appeared at the Long Wharf Theatre in Hartford Stage's production of The Mystery of Irma Vep directed by Michael Wilson performing the roles originally made famous by Charles Ludlam.

Other film and TV credits include HBO's Dragtime, E!'s Fashion Emergency, E! Goes to Cannes, MTV's True Life: Mardi Gras, and Francesca Page with Rossy DePalma. Jeffery has appeared in many TWEED Fraktured Classiks productions in New York City, including The Mailman Always Comes Twice, Screen Door and CAGED! with Lily Tomlin, Joan Rivers and Isabella Rossellini, Lypsinka is Harriet Craig, The Miracle Worker (with Charles Busch) and Varla Jean Merman is The Bad Seedling. Jeffery has opened for Jennifer Holliday and has also shared the stage with Betty Buckley, fulfilling his utmost gay fantasy, singing excerpts from the notorious Broadway flop Carrie as part of Ms. Buckley's cabaret act at the Bottom Line.

Varla Jean Merman is Anatomically Incorrect just completed a ten week run in Los Angeles and was reviewed by David Nichols of the LA Times who wrote "Not since Divine and '50s cult icon Rae Bourbon has a drag artiste so nailed the risqué, old-school pleasures of the genre, and Varla Jean Merman Is Anatomically Incorrect! does a body good! Jeffery Roberson's incomparable drag creation revisits her cabaret roots in peak sidesplitting form."   The show will finally play in New York on June 16th, 2007 for two shows only at Joe’s Pub at the New York Public Theater.

This summer, Jeffery returns to Provincetown with the world premiere of Varla Jean Merman Loves A Foreign Tongue!  For more information, please visit. www.varlaonline.com

RJ Helton

RJ Helton is most known for his top five performances on American Idol.  After finishing his ground breaking tour with American Idol, he was signed by Jive records.  He released his debut album “Real Life” in 2004 to rave reviews from Billboard Magazine, landing in the top 20 immediately upon hitting the shelves. 

Known for his bright white smile and sweet demeanor, RJ has performed on television for millions of viewers on The Tonight Show, Good Morning America, Entertainment Tonight, MTV’s "Total Request Live", The Today Show, Teen Choice Awards, Access Hollywood, and many others.  He has also been featured in such magazines as People, US Weekly, Billboard, Twist, Pop Star, BRE, and Entertainment Weekly, just to name a few.  More importantly for the men on board, RJ was named “50 Most Beautiful" by Atlanta’s Jezebel Magazine. 

After being seriously effected by Hurricane Katrina, RJ took some time off to re-build with his family.  He is currently writing and recording for his next album.  RJ has also been focused on working with Child Abuse charities to use his talent to raise money and awareness for a cause very close to him.   He recently came out publicly on Sirius Radio.  When asked, “What keeps you going?” he responded with his big white smile, “hopefully a hot RSVP cruise every once and a while.  Find out more about RJ on the web at www.rjheltonmusic.com

Brian Lane Green

Tony-nominated actor and singer BRIAN LANE GREEN is a talented performer with a broad list of credits in theater, television and film.

Tony Award nominee for "Best Actor in a Musical" for his performance as Spacepunk in Starmites, Green made his Broadway debut as Huck Finn in Big River. He went on to star in the first national tour of that show and also in the national tour of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. He also appeared on Broadway as Jo Jo in the Cy Coleman musical The Life. Green's regional theater credits include West Side Story, The Pirates of Penzance, Pippin, Camelot, La Cage Aux Folles, 1776, and Julius Caesar, in which he played Marc Antony.

On television, Green has guest starred on numerous prime-time shows, including Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Murder She Wrote, Matlock, Hotel, and Highway to Heaven. Daytime audiences know him as Alan Brand on Days of Our Lives (1987-89), Sam Fowler on Another World (1991-93), and Brian Bodine on All My Children (1993-94).

One of the stars of the cult film Circuit, Green also co-starred with Tovah Feldshuh and Tony Lo Bianco in the comedy Friends and Family.

Green can be heard on the live recording of The Words and Music of Jerry Herman: Tap Your Troubles Away (LML), Sondheim: A Celebration at Carnegie Hall (RCA) with the Tonics, George and Ira Gershwin: A Musical Tribute (MCA), and Grateful: The Songs of John Bucchino (RCA). In the 25th Anniversary Tour of Champions on Ice, Olympic Gold Medalist Viktor Petrenko performed to Green's recording of Craig Carnelia's "Flight" from his debut CD, Brian Lane Green (LML).

Green recently made his debut as a playwright and composer with Waiting for Glaciers to Melt. This original musical was chosen to be part of New York City's Midtown International Theater Festival.  Visit him on the web at www.BrianLaneGreen.com

Michael Holmes " THE JUDY SHOW"

The spirit of Judy Garland not only lives but thrives thanks to talented impressionist Michael Holmes. Holmes has been performing his ’one woman’ multi character production THE JUDY SHOW on stages and in clubs from Maui to Manhattan to critical rave reviews!

The inspiration for the show is Judy herself and her television variety show that aired in 1963 – 1964. With Judy hosting the evening of song, outrageous comedy and stories of the Golden Age of Hollywood, Holmes follows the format of The Judy Garland Show with multiple guest stars singing their magical signature songs…every guest star from Carol Channing to Bette Davis to Billie Holiday created by Holmes right on stage!

In 2005 Holmes put together his own band, The Michael Holmes Trio, and released his first CD If You Were Wonderin’, again to rave reviews. The jazz standards are Holmes’ genre of choice and, combined with his wickedly quick wit; promise an evening you won’t soon forget.

Visit Michael on the web at www.TheJudyShow.com

Eric & Neal "Eye of Newt Circus"

Eric Newton founded Eye of Newt Circus, a small Los Angeles based company, in 2002, after touring with Cirque du Soleil’s Quidam. The troupe’s artistic profile began to grow through original theatrical presentations, film work and corporate & club appearances, etc.

Neal Everett joined the troupe in 2005 for the music video "From Egypt to Omaha", sung by Nadine. Eric & Neal have been collaborating ever since, combining their mastery of aerial skills with their training in acting, storytelling and adventure. To find out more go to: www.eyeofnewcircus.com!

Anthony Rapp

Star of "Rent" and author of "Without You"
Exclusive Representation by Greater Talent Network

Anthony Rapp is best known for originating the role of Mark Cohen in the Tony Award-winning rock opera "Rent." A musical about Bohemians in the East Village of New York City, "Rent" explores the struggle with life, love and AIDS, and the impacts each has on America. He shared an OBIE (Off-Broadway) Award with the rest of the cast for the performance.

After taking the show from Off-Broadway to Broadway to Chicago to London, Rapp reprised his role in the 2005 Sony Pictures motion picture of the same name. And in 2006, he wrote a national best seller detailing his experiences during "Rent's" original run--as well as his personal struggle with losing his mother to cancer--entitled "Without You: a Memoir of Love, Loss, and the Musical 'Rent'" (Simon & Schuster).

Additional Broadway roles include "Precious Sons" (for which he received the Outer Critics Circle Award), "Six Degrees of Separation" and the revival of "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown." His big-screen credits include: "Adventures in Babysitting," "School Ties," "Dazed and Confused," "Six Degrees of Separation," "Road Trip," "A Beautiful Mind," "Danny Roane: First Time Director" and "Scaring the Fish." On television, Rapp has appeared in "The Lazarus Man," "The X-Files," "The Beach Boys: An American Family" and "Law & Order: SVU."

In addition to acting and writing, Anthony Rapp creates music with his band, Albinokid, and released a solo CD, "Look Around," in 2000. He serves on the board of the non-profit organization Friends In Deed, and lives in New York City with his partner, Rodney To, and their three cats: Emma, Sebastian and Spike.  Find out more at www.anthonyrapp.com

Paul J. Williams

Paul J. Williams is in his 2nd year with RSVP Vacations as one of their hosts and MCs, having started off as one of RSVP's headline comedians. Whether he is hosting main stage shows, pool games or "church bingo" as his alter-ego, Sister Helen Holy, Paul J. brings laughter and smiles to every cruise. He frequently works as a host/MC for various GLBT and charitable organizations and appears around the country (and in his home base Dallas) in his one-man show, DISHING IT OUT. Check him out at www.PaulJWilliams.com

Donna Sachet

Fifteen years ago, Donna Sachet started her adventure in San Francisco and the City has applauded her fun-loving spirit, quick wit, and musical talent ever since.  She reigned as Miss Gay SF in 1993 and as the thirtieth elected Empress of SF in 1995-96.  As a live singer and tireless fundraiser, Donna has received many awards and performed all across the United States, in Canada, Mexico, and Australia, but she is most proud of her annual Songs of the Season musical variety show benefiting the AIDS Emergency Fund for the past 14 years.  Donna has served as national spokesmodel for Smirnoff Twist Vodka, co-anchored the live television coverage of the June SF Pride Parade for 4 years, appeared on KRON-TV’s Bay Area Backroads last year, served as the spokesmodel for Halloween in the Castro for three years, and can be heard singing on the benefit holiday compilation Carols Across America.  Donna Sachet was selected as a Community Grand Marshal for the 2005 SF Pride Parade.  She currently writes a biweekly column for the Bay Area Reporter, co-hosts a weekly LGBT television series called OUT Spoken on Comcast, and headlines Sunday’s A Drag a weekly show at Harry Denton’s Starlight Room.  Entertaining aboard RSVP Cruises is a dream come true!  Visit Donna on the web at www.donnasachet.com

Steven Guy "Cruise Director"

Steven has two decades of experience in the entertainment industry as an artist and extensively in production, event planning and hospitality.

Steven began his career with MTV Networks, working on high profile events such as the MTV Movie Awards, Nickelodeon's Kids Choice Awards, VHI Fashion Awards and MTV Video Music Awards. In addition, he was national spokesperson and lead producer for MTV's Choose or Lose youth political awareness tour in 1996. The campaign registered over 35,000 new voters and featured major artists and elected officials in every corner of America.

Moving overseas, Steven joined MTV Europe, creating productions surrounding the Cannes Film Festival, the European Music Awards and European performances for Jon Bon Jovi, Armand Van Helden, Propellerheadz, and the Brand New Heavies.

As a graduate of the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts, Steven has performed in film and onstage internationally. Included in his many creative and commercial endeavors were roles in A Lot Like Love, All My Children, Guiding Light, Orpheus Descending, Richard III, Platonov, As You Like It and multiple award winning shorts and music videos.

Steven has given his time and energy to numerous benefits including AIDS Project Los Angeles Christmas Toy Drive, Project Angel Food and Equality California.

Judith Light

Judith Light has captivated audiences worldwide since her portrayal of Angela Bower on the ABC-TV hit comedy series "Who's the Boss?"

Recently, Judith returned to her performing roots in theater, opening in Washington, DC at The Shakespeare Theater portraying the title character in the Henrik Ibsen classic “Hedda Gabler”.  Last year she also took to the stage at the Union Square Theater, starring as the brilliant and uncompromising “Dr. Vivian Bearing” in the critically acclaimed and Pulitzer Prize winning Off-Broadway play WIT. 

Judith has proven her versatility as a performer in the numerous films for television in which she has starred.  She has also recently taken on the challenge of co-producing as well as starring in several of her television projects. Her most recent film for television was “Carriers” for CBS-TV.

Judith starred in "The Ryan White Story" for ABC-TV with Lukas Haas and George C. Scott. In this landmark production which introduced many Americans to the horror of AIDS, Judith portrayed the mother of teenage AIDS victim Ryan White. Touched and inspired by this poignant story, Judith began working with several AIDS charities, and today is one of Hollywood's most active figures in this cause.

Judith spent the next five years with Milwaukee and Seattle repertory companies. In 1975, she moved to New York and made her Broadway debut in Ibsen's "A Doll's House," with Liv Ullman. This role was followed by a series of Broadway and off-Broadway productions that included roles in "A Streetcar Named Desire," "As You like It," and "Richard III."

In 1977, Judith was called to understudy on the daytime serial, "One Life to Live."  She then landed the role of Karen Wolek and played that part for five years.  While on "One Life to Live," Judith won two Emmys, two Soapy Awards and a Soap Opera Hall of Fame Award.  Indeed, one of her performances, "Karen Wolek on the Stand," was so powerful and is remembered so vividly, that to this day it is used as a model in acting classes throughout the nation.  Additionally, it was recently honored as being one of TV Guide's "100 Most Memorable Moments on Television.”

Today Judith keeps very busy balancing her acting and producing with her ongoing support in the fight against AIDS. She volunteers her time to organizations such as Project Angel Food, Heart Strings and The NAMES Project. Judith is the first heterosexual to sit on the board of directors of the Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Services Center. The center recently named its library after her.

Judith lives in Los Angeles with her husband, actor Robert Desiderio, whom she met while appearing on "One Life to Live."
Visit Judith on the web at www.JudithLight.com

Robert Gant

Robert Gant’s love of acting and performing began at an early age. He started doing television commercials and joined the Screen Actors Guild at the age of ten in his home state of Florida. He went on to attend undergrad at the University of Pennsylvania and law school at Georgetown University. While studying, he never gave up on his true passions and took part in numerous theatrical productions. Interestingly, it was his career as an attorney that brought him to Los Angeles when he accepted a position with the world”s largest law firm. In a twist of fate, the firm”s Los Angeles office was closed soon after. Taking that as an omen, he made the decision to focus all of his time on the entertainment business.

Gant has had many notable guest spots on such TV hits as "Friends," "Veronica’s Closet," "Becker," "Melrose Place," "Ellen," "Providence," "Pepper Dennis," "The Closer," and "CSI." He also appeared in the independent films "Live," "The Contract," "Fits and Starts" and "Marie and Bruce."

Robert Gant recently appeared as one of the stars of Showtime’s hit television series, "Queer as Folk."

In addition to QAF, he was the eccentric principal, Calvin Krupps, on the WB’s "Popular" and as Caroline’s boyfriend, Trevor, on NBC’s "Caroline in the City."

Herb Hamsher

Herb Hamsher has had several careers over the years. After getting his Ph. D. in Clinical Psychology he became a professor of Psychology and Psychiatry at the University of Rochester. Three years later he moved to Temple University where he was an Associate Professor and Director of Clinical Services until 1980. At the time, professors were becoming unionized and the notion of potentially going on strike for a pay raise convinced him that it was time to leave the ivory tower.

During his tenure at the University Herb had an active private psychotherapy practice, conducted personal growth seminars, and consulted with business leaders and multinational corporations. It was also at this time that he worked with John Denver on his philanthropic activities, particularly assisting with John’s service on The President’s Commission on World Hunger as well as building The Windstar Foundation, his vehicle for impacting on national and world issues. It was through this relationship that Herb moved to Aspen, Colorado which still remains home-base, although his multitude of involvements keeps him away from there more than he is there.

For the last twenty years, Herb has also worked with the actress and AIDS/ Human Rights activist, Judith Light. With his partner, Jonathan, he has for a long time managed not only her career but also that of her husband, actor Robert Desiderio. The four of them have a production company, Tetrahedron Productions, which is the home of Herb’s current activities as a producer. His producing credits include CBS television movies, Too Close to Home; A Husband, A Wife, and A Lover; and Murder At My Door. He also created and was a producer on Judith Light’s short-lived CBS series, The Simple Life.

Since AIDS began to decimate the Gay community, Herb has committed more of himself and his passion to fighting the pandemic, to confronting the realities uncovered by our experience with the disease, and with working to add to the strength, unity, and spiritual base of the Gay and Lesbian community.

David Mixner

Author, political strategist, civil rights activist and public affairs advisor David Mixner blogs on his passions: progressive politics, foreign policy, LGBT rights and wildlife advocacy. 

Once named by Newsweek as the most powerful gay man in America, David has been a highly regarded leader in American politics and international human rights for over 40 years.  He writes daily from Turkey Hollow on his blog www.davidmixner.com , his mountain top home in upstate New York.

David wrote the critically acclaimed memoir Stranger Among Friends and co-wrote Brave Journeys with Dennis Bailey, which topped the Los Angeles Times bestseller list.  His screenplay with Richard Burns, Dunes of Overveen won the Outfest MTV Award for Best New Screenplay.  In addition, David and Dennis co-wrote the screenplay Fire in the Soul, which is in pre-production, and a play, the historical drama Jacob’s Ladder. 

Additionally, David has written for TIME, Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, The Advocate and other publications.

He was an Executive Producer of the award-winning documentary House on Fire, which highlighted the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the African American community.

Most recently serving as National Chairperson for Representative Richard Gephardt’s campaign for President, David has participated in over 75 campaigns, serving as campaign manager, fundraiser or strategist.  Other campaigns include Clinton for President, Hart for President, McGovern for President, Bradley for Mayor, and Brown for Governor and Senate. 

David has raised over $30 million for candidates and charity organizations, including well over $1 million for openly gay and lesbian candidates across the country

David has been an unofficial advisor to elected officials and business leaders on domestic and foreign policy for decades.  Today, as a prominent international public affairs/strategic-planning consultant with expertise in HIV/AIDS, David is working on access, prevention and treatment projects in Russia, Ukraine and a number of African nations. In addition, he continues his work fighting HIV/AIDS here in the United States. 

David has lectured at Oxford, Harvard, Stanford, Princeton and the London School of Economics.  Recently, the Yale University Sterling Memorial Library created the David B. Mixner Collection, a catalogue of David’s papers and correspondence from his work as a leading antiwar advocate during the Vietnam War to his participation in present-day political campaigns.

Additionally, Mr. Mixner is a past member of the National Democratic Committee, the Democratic Party National Commission on Delegate Selection and Party Reform, Congressional Fund, Municipal Elections Committee of Los Angeles (MECLA), the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund (former National Co-Chair), AIDS Project Los Angeles, Ambassador to the Wilton Park International Conference, the Presidents Salt II Committee, Pro Peace and others.

Jeff Trandahl

Trandahl is a native of Spearfish, South Dakota, and graduated from Spearfish High School in 1983. He received a bachelor of arts from the University of Maryland in 1987 and a Certificate in Management from the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.  Trandahl began his congressional career in 1983 as an aide to Senator James Abdnor (R-SD). From 1987-1990 and from 1990-1995, he was affiliated with the offices of Congresswoman Virginia Smith (R-NE) and Congressman Pat Roberts (R-KS) and with the Committees on Appropriations and House Administration, respectively. In 1995, he joined the Office of the Clerk and served in various capacities. He was also the Acting Chief Administrative Officer of the House of Representatives from 1996-1997.  On November 18, 2005, Trandahl resigned as Clerk to accept a position as the executive director of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. He was succeeded by Karen L. Haas.  Trandahl is currently a Board member of Human Rights Campaign, a national LGBT-rights group.

Michael Cashman

Michael was born in the East End of London in 1950. His birth was premature by three weeks, primarily due to his mother attempting to defend her husband in a street fight outside Stepney East station. His father was a dock worker and his mother a proud office cleaner so Michael's father registered his son at birth to become a dock worker when he left school. Fate decided otherwise.

After failing his eleven plus school exam Michael attended a catholic secondary modern school, Cardinal Griffin, and it was here that he was discovered in an end of term school show. Within weeks at the age of 12 he was performing in Lionel Barts musical OLIVER which was running in one of London's west end theatres. After some months he played Oliver and had the dubious distinction of performing for Richard Nixon, who later became President of the United States of America.

His education continued at his secondary modern school but by then career decisions had to be made and he was sent to a stage school in Surbiton, Surrey, which seemed a million miles away from his inner city home. At stage school Michael had his cockney accent 'knocked out' of him, and he learnt to sing and dance whilst acting in shows, films and television to pay for his school fees.

One of four sons he was the only one to become an actor and subsequently the only one to go into politics - a passion he has inherited from his father who was an active trade unionist.

Michael had a distinguished career as an actor and singer spanning thirty seven years. He also worked as a director at New Victoria Theatre, Newcastle under Lyme, and was made Associate Artist at Birmingham Rep. During his career he worked with luminaries like Lionel Bart, J. B Priestley, Sir Alan Ayckbourn (who directed two plays which were written by Michael), Sir Ian McKellen, Elizabeth Taylor, June Brown, Sir Elton John and David Hockney.

He has been an active campaigner across a wide range of issues and is rightly proud of his important role in introducing pension rights for members of the union EQUITY as well as being instrumental in the unions modernization programme when he was the Honorary Treasurer. During his time on BBC TV's East Enders he formed the Stonewall Group and was its founding chair. Michael lives with his partner, Paul, and they have been together for over 20 years.

Patricia Evert

Patricia Evert, a passionate human rights activist, joined the Gill team as Director of the Leverage Center, a program of the Gill Foundation and the Gill Action Fund responsible for generating financial support for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender civil rights movement, in July 2005. In the late 1980’s at the height of the AIDS epidemic, Evert served as Director of Special Events for the Gay Men’s Health Crisis (GMHC) – raising more than $55 million for HIV/AIDS services and educational programs. In 1996 she founded Patricia Evert Productions, a successful events company that called on all her skills in grassroots and gala fundraising. Among her loyal clients, many dedicated to progressive and human rights causes, were the NARAL; the National Council for Research on Women; the New York City Gay & Lesbian Anti-Violence Project (AVP); Bailey House; the Women's Commission for Refugee Women and Children; the International Rescue Committee (IRC); and the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN); on whose board she served from 2001 to 2005. Throughout her career, Evert has raised over $150 million for progressive organizations.

Michael Flemming

Michael Flemming is the executive director of the David Bohnett Foundation and is political advisor to Mr. Bohnett.  He has an extensive background in policy and media.  Mr. Flemming has produced several TV programs and served as media director to the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California.  He is president of the East Los Angeles Planning Commission and serves on numerous boards, including the Dean’s Council of the Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service at NYU.

Patrick Guerriero

Patrick Guerriero is the executive director of the Gill Action Fund.  Patrick serves as the primary spokesperson for Gill Action and is responsible for crafting overall strategies, establishing strong relationships with local and national gay and lesbian organizations, and developing tactical partnerships with a broad range of Republican and Democratic political organizations.  Patrick brings to Gill a distinguished background as an elected Republican official.  He won a seat in the Massachusetts House of Representatives at age 25 in 1993, going on to serve three terms in the state house and never missing a vote.  Patrick was elected mayor of his home town, the Boston suburb of Melrose, in 1998. His hands-on style won him the respect and support of Melrose residents who re-elected him to a second term with 80 percent of the vote.  Patrick joined the administration of Massachusetts Gov. Jane Swift in May 2001 as deputy chief of staff, and in 2002, he was asked to run for lieutenant governor by Gov. Swift - becoming the first openly gay politician selected as a running mate by an incumbent governor.  Prior to joining the Gill Action Fund Patrick served as President of the Log Cabin Republicans and the Liberty Education Forum.

Bill Smith

Bill Smith is the National Political Director for Gill Action Fund.  A political media and general consultant, Smith has filmed television commercials in over 16 states for candidates including governors, congressmen, state legislators, and judges, as well as several national political organizations. Smith started his own political consulting business five years ago after working for two national political firms, Karl Rove and Company and Wilson Grand Communications. As a campaign operative and consultant for the last 10 years, Smith has extensive experience in campaign management; message development; communications strategy; media planning and production; as well as general consulting. In addition to his work with elected officials, Smith’s clients have included national organizations such as Log Cabin Republicans, the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund, and the Political OutGiving program launched by Tim Gill.

Ted Trimpa

Lobbyist and attorney Ted Trimpa is an outspoken advocate for LGBT rights both nationally and in Colorado.  He is political advisor to Tim Gill and partner with the law and lobbying firm of Brownstein, Hyatt, Farber & Schreck, P.C.  Mr. Trimpa practices in all areas of federal, state and local legislative law, concentrating on advising corporations and individuals on political strategy and participation.

Neil G. Giuliano

Neil G. Giuliano serves as President of the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD). GLAAD is one of the largest national LGBT organizations and the only one dedicated to ensuring fair, accurate and inclusive representation of LGBT people and events in the media as a means of eliminating homophobia and discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation. Mr. Giuliano joined GLAAD on September 1, 2005.

GLAAD’s work and influence within the entertainment industry, national and regional news organizations and with journalists at all levels has led to sweeping change in the ways that LGBT people are portrayed in the media. The widely known and popular GLAAD Media Awards has recognized the best of such images for seventeen years. The 2006 GLAAD Media Awards was the most widely broadcast LGBT event in history, available to approximately 85 million homes via their telecast on Logo and VH-1.

Mr. Giuliano has appeared on CNN, ABC World News Tonight, Showbiz Tonight, and Access Hollywood and has been quoted in Newsweek and USA Today and numerous state and regional media outlets discussing LGBT images in the media and issues. He is considered among the nations most visible and effective leaders of the movement for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender equality, earning recognition as one of Instinct Magazine’s Top 25 of 2005.

A popular motivational speaker, educator and consultant, Mr. Giuliano has spoken before groups of 15 to one million people on issues of human rights, leadership development and organizational change, sharing ideas and thoughts to motivate others to greater success and advancement. In 2004, he received the Individual Achievement Award from the Arizona Human Rights Fund and for three years was recognized for Distinguished Service of the Year by readers of the largest LGBT publication serving Arizona.

Prior to his appointment as President by the GLAAD Board of Directors, Mr. Giuliano served for ten years as the mayor of Tempe, Arizona (1994-2004, pop: 170,000) and also had a 25-year career as a senior administrator at Arizona State University (ASU), the largest public university in the United States. His posts with ASU included directing student leadership development, alumni relations, federal government relations and community relations. As a Faculty Associate in ASU’s College of Liberal Arts and Science, Mr. Giuliano created and then taught a course in Personal Leadership Development for twenty years. He also served as lead organizer and co-chair for the final 2004 Presidential Debate held at ASU, which was viewed by over 57 million people nationwide and around the world.

Recognizing Mr. Giuliano’s leadership and accomplishment, Tempe, Arizona was named an All America City in 2003; an award presented by the National Civic League that is considered the “Oscar” for local government success.

Eric Nilson

Eric J. Nilson is a Managing Director - Investment Officer at Wachovia Securities.  He specializes in working with the GLBT community nationwide, and has taught numerous lectures around the country on the financial markets, as well as for the Wharton School of Business' CEBS program, and has been a guest lecturer on Royal Viking Lines, Ocean Cruise Lines, and RSVP Cruises. In addition, he is the Chair of the Finance Committee for GLSEN, has been a guest on the CBS Radio Network, is the past president of the Oberlin College Alumni Association, and a Trustee of the Hermes Foundation.  He has been featured in FORTUNE, NORTHERN OHIO LIVE, and ON WALL STREET magazines.

DJ Wendy Hunt

Before many on today’s dance floors were born, Wendy Hunt was turning out the tunes. Called the "Queen Mother" of DJ’s and perhaps the longest spinning DJ today; as a true music pioneer, she has always maintained a solid reputation for presenting the fresh and happy tunes to a welcoming dance floor. "You have to have a passion for the music," states Hunt. It was Hunt who was part of the production of the very first gay dance Sunday night at the popular club now known as "Avalon" in Boston. As the Circuit grew, Wendy continued delighting the patrons of numerous major Circuit events, including Winter Party and White Party in Miami, White Party Palm Springs, Purple Party Dallas, Ascension Party Fire Island Pines and Valley of the Dolls in Dallas to name only a few. In 2000, Wendy was chosen to share credits to the PRIDE 2000 Centaur album with fellow DJ Julian Marsh. After 35 years of doing what she does best, DJ Wendy Hunt can still keep the dance floors moving like no other. djwendyhunt.com

DJ Robbie Leslie

Widely recognized as one of the top disc jockeys in the nation, Robbie Leslie has been performing on the international circuit for over 28 years. Leslie is perhaps most renowned for spinning his magic at special Circuit Parties - Extravagant theme parties and benefits created for one night in anything from abandoned warehouses to famous museums.

Leslie started his career on Fire Island at the legendary Sandpiper (now the Pavilion) in the Pines. From there he moved on to New York City, where the list of clubs at which he regularly performed reads like a "Who's Who' of Big Apple nightspots: The Saint (and subsequently the Saint-At-Large), Studio 54, Underground, Private Eyes, Palladium, the Red Parrot, 12 West and the Ice Palace. Appearances: Trocadero Transfer and Dreamland in San Francisco; Axis, Probe and Studio 1 in Los Angeles; Numbers and Heaven in Houston; Club St. John in San José; the Pavilion, Botel, Ice Palace, and Island Club on Fire Island; Roxy and Octagon in New York; Heaven in London, and clubs in Moscow, Sydney, Copenhagen, Toronto, and San Juan. In 1988 he had the honor of playing the final set at The Saint's forty hour closing party.

Recently he was honored by the industry and his peers with the National Hi-Energy D.J. of the Year award, sponsored by Dance Music report. He received the Dixie Award for D.J. of the Year in 1993. In October 1999 Leslie was presented with the third annual DJ Music Award for his lifetime contribution to the world of dance music. Robbie's music is broadcast on Sirius Satellite Radio's "STUDIO 37" Mixshows. Robbie Leslie currently spins his magic at various South Florida clubs and national circuit events on a regular basis. 

VJ TOM YAZ (Boston)

Since he was a teenager, VJ Tom Yaz has pushed the pop culture envelope. Boston-born Tom Yaz is unique in his profession in having at his disposal an enormous library of historical clips that pre-date MTV - it's an interactive experience that shows that everything old is new again.

Tom has spent the last 5 years in Provincetown at the Crown and Anchor's Wave Video Bar, a must-visit nightspot that brings together tourists and townies alike. In the past few years, Yaz has appeared at such events as the Hope Event at Boston Ritz Carlton, video installations at the Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston's Human Rights Campaign's post-party, the pre-opening party for the film Marie Antoinette, and at clubs in Chicago, Miami, and New York.

I want to recycle the great music from different generations and make it fresh and accessible for a room or crowd of any size or age" WWW.YAZTV.COM

DJ PAGANO (Italy)

Originally from Italy, but now based in London, Pagano is often singled out on the London scene for being a true innovator. His unique blend of Classic House and Progressive, combined with tribal and electronic arrangements, has become Pagano's trademark sound and has caught the attention of partygoers and music lovers the world over.

In January 2006, Pagano was offered a much converted residency at London's world famous HEAVEN Nightclub, as the club begun its transition from pop to a more underground sound. Other current residencies include London’s latest hotspot AREA and London’s number one gay discobar BARCODE.

Appearances: including Turnmills (U.K.); The Fridge (U.K.); Fire (UK); GodsKitchen Global Gathering (UK Privilege (Ibiza); Pervert Gold (Milan); Club Latex (Cairo); Matrix (Italy); Cassero (Italy); Kinki (Italy); Planet Ios (Greece); Extreme Euphoria.

His productions have been included in top-selling compilations in Europe, Asia and in the USA including: ”Miami Winter Party vol. 6” (under “Soho Boy”).

More info at: www.djpagano.com / www.myspace.com/djpagano

DJ LUKE JOHNSTONE (San Francisco)

Originally from the UK, Luke is now based in the US, but travels the world with his music. Much in demand, over the last year Luke's travels have taken him to Europe, Australia, Asia, as wells as touring extensively in the US.

Recent highlights include Crash (London), DTPM (London), Heaven (London), Raw Hide (Melbourne), ARQ (Sydney), Winter White (Taipei), Sweat (Singapore), China Pride (HK), Deep (Shanghai), Bed (Manila), Splash (NY), Size (LA), Hydrate (Chicago), Matinee (San Francisco), Heaven (Palm Springs), Bacchus House (San Diego), Independence (Provincetown), Miami Winter Party & Whistler Winter Pride. Luke also played the main stage at San Francisco Pride, as well as the dance stage at the world renowned 'Halloween in the Castro' for 2 successive years, drawing over 250,000 enthusiastic partygoers.

Luke's passion for music and his craft are obvious. From soulful grooves, to uplifting house and progressive beats; it is clear that Luke likes to have fun with music.  “I love it that people are always coming up to the booth to ask me about a track I have just played that they have never heard – that's what I love about dj'ing, sharing musical gems from my travels.”

More info at:www.djlukejohnstone.com / www.myspace.com/djlukejohnstone

INGU YUN

Direct from the Sundance Saloon in San Francisco, Ingu Yun, founder of The Sundance Association for Country-Western Dancing will be spinning country tunes for your two-stepping and line-dancing pleasure!

Find out more by visiting http://sundancesaloon.org/