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Lesher Foundation's Newsmakers: Lesher Speaker Series 24/25 Season
Newsmakers: Lesher Speaker Series seeks to nurture a community of enthusiastic conversationalists, inspired to discuss important issues with family, friends, and neighbors.
DRAG-TASTIC: The Art of Drag in The Bay
Presented by Center REP
- Date: 11/13/2023 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
- Location: Club 1220
1220 Pine St
Walnut Creek, California 94596 - Introduction: A free discussion at Club 1220.
Join Center Repertory Company, Club 1220, and some of the hottest Drag Queens in the Bay for a free discussion about the art and history of Drag! The event will be held during Happy Hour at the historic gay establishment CLUB 1220. Founded in 1976, CLUB 1220 has become one of the oldest and most respected queer businesses in the East Bay!
Light appetizers will be provided, and happy hour deals will be available at the bar.
Panelists
J.A. Valentine is not only a cast member of The Legend of Georgia McBride, but has entertained at events of every description with immersive comic characters, trivia game shows and celebrity impersonations. For 15 years Valentine served as inventory manager of the American Conservatory Theatre’s costume department, where they designed many MFA productions. From emceeing SF Pride’s MainStage, ringmastering a circus, endorsing a chewing gum for Finnish television, tap dancing 9.6 miles through the streets of SF and into the Guinness Book of World Records, Valentine has done it all!
Tater Tatas/Tot is a co-producer for the drag troupe, Palace of Trash, which descended from San Francisco's famous 70s group, The Cockettes. She is also a proud member of the House of Ross, with a huge and talented drag family led by Polly Amber Ross. Tater's drag blends elements of clown, cartoons and melodrama to transcend lyrics and voice topical matters. Tater is also a trained clown, mime, improviser and stand-up comic. Find her on YouTube under "Potatoes Mashed Comedy."
Bazil B. Dazil is an invocation of divine masculinity and sacred sexuality. While his drag can be described as glamorous and spooky, he uses humor and play to help others access their own authentic expression. He is a professional immersive performer, published author, public speaker, and tarot reader. Bazil’s passions include storytelling of all kinds, regenerating forests, and right-sizing narratives around gender and sexuality.
Presented By
About Lesher Foundation
Enhancing the quality of life for all residents in Contra Costa County, California, through the support of children and families, education, and arts and culture.
The Dean & Margaret Lesher Foundation has a clear and simple mission—to enhance the quality of life for all residents of Contra Costa County, California. First established in 1989 by the late Dean Lesher and his wife Margaret, the Lesher Foundation has strong roots in Northern California. Dean Lesher was the founder and publisher of Lesher Communications in Walnut Creek, and subsequently built a chain of local newspapers throughout California. He wanted to give back to the local communities he loved so dearly by funding nonprofits in Contra Costa County. Today, the Foundation continues to uphold this value, giving more than $85 million in grants to date.
The Lesher Foundation is now principally managed by Dean and Margaret’s children and grandchildren. In honor of the philanthropic legacy established by the original donors, the Foundation is deeply committed to funding programs benefitting children and families, particularly those in underserved and low-income areas. Education grants are also a strong focus of giving, targeted toward children and young adults from vulnerable families. Additionally, funding for both the visual and performing arts is a key focus area, as the family believes that a vibrant community includes access to the arts for all its members.
The Foundation advances its mission by believing in the safety, security, and potential of every child, significantly investing in educational opportunities for those underserved, and offering the community the enrichments of the arts. We invite you to read more about our goals and strategies, and welcome your interest in the Foundation.
About Newsmakers: Lesher Speaker Series
Yesterday
One of the dreams of the late Dean Lesher was to showcase powerful ideals and public discourse on important matters of the day. In 2004, that dream became a reality when the Dean & Margaret Lesher Foundation donated $1 million to underwrite the very first speaker series at the Lesher Center for the Arts.
Today
The Lesher Foundation continues to enthusiastically produce Newsmakers: Lesher Speaker Series with the support of sponsors that include Diablo Regional Arts Association, KTVU Fox 2, and Diablo Magazine. Each year, the foundation, along with our sponsors and other partners, help select speakers in politics, international affairs, journalism, sports and entertainment to present an array of diverse and engaging topics.
Tomorrow
Our goal is to inspire and inform our audience who we see as warm, engaging and intellectually curious. We thank you for your continued support and look forward to having you attend our 2024/25 series and join in on the conversation.