In what may be a surprising return to basics, Artrageous may be changing the entertainment format and it’s organizers say they may or may not have a headliner entertainer.
From humble beginnings as a cocktail party to raise money for Nashville CARES in 1987, Artrageous has become one of the most highly anticipated and well-recognized events in Nashville. Now in it’s 19th year (the event took a year off early on), Artrageous has raised more than $2 million for the support of AIDS education and services in Middle Tennessee.
“There may or may not be a headliner announced for this year’s after-party,” 2005 Artrageous Co-Chair Todd Shelton of Jive! Digital Print Factory explained.
The Artrageous after party event will take place on Saturday, November 12, 2005 at the Nashville Municipal Auditorium following the ten-gallery art crawl across the city earlier in the evening.
“Having a headliner has only come to be a tradition during the past couple of years,” Shelton added. “The only way that you can know for sure if there will be or not is to show up and see.”
Seventies sensation Gloria Gaynor was the headlining performer for 2004’s Artrageous 17 following Ru Paul the year before.
Shelton also listed a number of talented performers to be featured at this year’s event. In addition to music spun by local DJ Ron, the stage will be shared by a variety of local female impersonators including the immensely talented Bianca Paige, Austria Andrews, Chyna, Nichole Ellington Dupree, and Jordan Kennedy. The ladies will also be joined on stage by female vocal and dance variety-act The L Revue as well as the striptease sensation Panty Raid. This year will be the second for the popular burlesque act.
Attracting a stunning mix of glamorous partygoers from across the nation, Artrageous has attained near-legendary status as Nashville's largest indoor charity event. It was named the “Top Charity Event” of 1999, 2000 and 2001 by the Nashville Scene reader’s poll. In 1996, Artrageous was selected for the short list of the South's top parties in The Gay Manual. In 1997, Artrageous was given the highest possible rankings from Events Report newsletter, which reviews charity fundraisers nationwide.
The theme of Artrageous 18 is “Bound” which is also the theme of a marvelously photographed black and white 2005-2006 calendar which is available for purchase benefiting Nashville CARES at Jive! Digital Print Factory located at Suite 219 in Cummins Station, 209 10th Avenue South and at OutLoud! Department Store on Church Street.
In addition to the main event on Saturday, be sure not to miss the Artrageous 18: Bound Pre-Party at Tribe the night before the event on Friday, November 11, 2005. There will be a special live auction with proceeds benefiting Nashville CARES. Artrageous tickets and special edition Artrageous 18: Bound calendars will be available as well.
Please visit www.artrageous.org, www.nashvillecares.org and www.tribenashville.com for more information.