Like so many people across the country, the Play Dance Bar family was deeply impacted by the horrific events at the Pulse Nightclub on Sunday, June 12. Many of their staff and community have personal ties to Orlando and individuals impacted by this heartbreaking act of terror.
The owners, staff, and management took their time to organize one of the largest benefit shows yet announced to help those affected. They recently announced details about their #WeAreOrlando Benefit to be held on Wednesday, June 29th at Play.
Nearly 25 entertainers, including three cast members from Pulse Nightclub, will be donating their talents to one amazing drag show. All monies raised, including sponsorships, door proceeds, and tips are being donated to the employees of Pulse Nightclub and funds set up for the other victims.
The line-up to date include Pulse entertainers Angelica Sanchez, A’zsia Dupree, and Axel Andrews, and Neema Bahrami, as well as Play Mates Miss Gay USofA Aurora Sexton, Deception, The Princess, Nicole Ellington Dupree, Brook Lynn Heights, Vanity. Special guests include Miss Nashville Pride Tyra Hunter, Miss Genesis Raquel Rae Heart, Chyna, Jordan Allen, Kameron Michaels, Ivy St. James, Venus Ann Serena, Eazy Love, Sasha Derion, Christina Rae, Luca Prescott, Briana Monet, Chase Sky, and Montana Alexander.
Event sponsors to date include Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Miller Coors, Athens Distributing, Red Bull, Yazoo, Out & About Nashville, Nashville Scene, Nashville Pride, HotMess Sports, Anheuser-Busch, Nashville Grizzlies, and the Music City Sisters. The event is being organized by the “Play A Role Fund”—a separate 501 c) 3 entity associated with Play, Tribe, and Suzy Wong’s House of Yum that provides facility space, community awareness and monetary support to individuals and organizations in the LGBT community as needed.
Doors will open at 7 p.m., and the show will begin at 8 p.m. Play is encouraging attendees to consider a $20 donation, but all donations are welcome and no one will be turned away. Play is located at 1519 Church Street. A similar benefit, including the Orlando performers, will be held at Play Louisville, on Thursday, June 30th. Play Louisville is located at 1101 E. Washington Street.