On November 18, 2011, stage and cabaret stars will come together for DIVA, to celebrate the life of award-winning singer, the late David Gurland on what would have been his 44th birthday. All proceeds from the event will go to The Ali Forney Center which provides shelter and services to homeless gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender youth. The show will take place at the Laurie Beechman Theatre (in the West Bank Café at 407 West 42nd St) on Tuesday, November 18, 2011 at 8pm, doors will open at 7pm. Reservations are strongly encouraged and can be made by calling 212-695-6909. Tickets are $25 and there is a $15 food/drink minimum.
Performers will include Lisa Asher (Bistro and MAC Award winner), Kristy Cates (Wicked), Brandon Cutrell, Natalie Douglas (Bistro and 7 time MAC Award winner), recording artist Randi Driscoll ("What Matters"), Brian Farley, Suzanne Fiore, Gaelen Gilliland (Legally Blonde), Kenny Holcomb, Rob Maitner (OOBR and Fringe Award winner) and Julie Reyburn (MAC and Bistro Award winner). The evening will be musically directed by Ray Fellman.
The Ali Forney Center (AFC) was started in June 2002 in response to the lack of safe shelter for LGBT youth in New York City. They have grown quickly to become the nation's largest and mostcomprehensive organization dedicated to homeless LGBT youth. They are committed to providing LGBT youth with safe, dignified, nurturing environments where their needs can be met and where they can begin to put their lives back together. The center provides short and long term housing in plus free medical care, HIV testing, mental health services, showers, food, computer access and job training and placement at its drop-in centers in Chelsea and Brooklyn.
David Gurland was a multi-award winning singer who mixed contemporary music with classic standards from the American Songbook to create a bracingly original style that was all hisown. He passed away on January 1, 2011 after suffering a massive brain hemorrhage. He is survived by his partner, Rob Maitner, who is producing this evening.
Photo Credit: Walter McBride/WM Photos
