Minnelli, Jackson, Etc. Set for amfAR Gala, June 5

Broadway star Cheyenne Jackson will be the special performer at amfAR's "Honoring with Pride" Gala, which will take place at the Rainbow Room at Rockefeller Center on June 5th.

The evening will be musically directed by Tony Award-winner Ted Sperling (The Light in the Piazza), with Oscar-winner Liza Minnelli (Victor/Victoria, Chicago, Cabaret film) scheduled to present and The New York Post's Liz Smith to be honored for her charity work.

"Honoring with Pride" is held each year to pay tribute to those individuals who have played a significant role in the gay and lesbian community's historic response to the HIV/AIDS crisis. Featured guests, keynote speakers, and previous hosts have included Dame Elizabeth Taylor, Hon. Mario Cuomo, Kathy Bates, Betty Buckley, Eric McCormack of "Will & Grace," Liz Smith, Angie Stone, Meryl Streep, Marcia Gay Harden, Carrie Fisher, B.D. Wong, and Cyndi Lauper.

Jackson's Broadway credits include All Shook Up, Thoroughly Modern Millie and Aida.  He was among the premiere cast of Altar Boyz, is a member of the Broadway Inspirational Voices, and has appeared regionally in West Side Story, The Most Happy Fella, Children of Eden, Hair, Carousel, Damn Yankees and Kismet. He was seen in a featured role in the film United 93, and also starred in the short film Curiosity.

Cocktails will begin at 6:30 PKM, followed by a seated dinner and awards presentation.  More information will be announced.

Visit www.amfar.org for more information on the Foundation for AIDS Research.

Photo of Cheyenne Jackson by Linda Lenzi