AIDS Assistance Program's 'Evening Under The Stars' 2016 Gala to Feature Classic Disco Group 'Village People'
January 28, 2016
AIDS Assistance Program – Food Samaritans (AAP) announces its 23nd annual Evening Under the Stars gala will feature a performance by music legends ‘Village People.’ The event will take place Saturday, April 30, 2016 at 5:30 PM at the O’Donnell Golf Club in Palm Springs.
Formed in 1977, Village People has sold more than 100 million records worldwide and recently received a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Known for their high-energy shows and mega-hits like ‘YMCA’, ‘Macho Man’, ‘Go West’, and ‘In the Navy’, the group continues to tour and make appearances around the world.
“Continuing our tradition of providing great entertainment that gets people up and dancing, we’re bringing the iconic Village People to our village of Palm Springs for one magical night,” said Mark Anton, Executive Director of AIDS Assistance Program. “Their impact on music has earned them the title ‘Kings of Disco’ and these six talented men combine energetic choreography with outrageous fun. Their music will have everyone on their feet!”
Considered by many to be the unofficial finale of the desert social season, Evening Under the Stars was named ‘Best Annual Charity Event’ in the inaugural ‘Best of Coachella Valley’ reader’s poll sponsored by Coachella Valley Independent. AAP was also recently voted ‘Best Service-Oriented Charity/Non-profit’ in The Desert Sun/Desert Magazine’s ‘Best of the Valley’ competition, and Desert Outlook magazine’s Ultimate Pride competition. In addition, Evening Under the Stars was voted ‘Most Fun Annual Fundraiser’ by voters in the Ultimate Pride competition. In conjunction with the organization’s Jeannette Rockefeller Angel Program, Evening Under the Stars provides the majority of funding for AAP’s food voucher program for low-income residents of the Palm Springs area living with HIV/AIDS and other chronic illnesses.
In addition to exciting entertainment and dancing, gala festivities will also include refreshing cocktails, delectable cuisine, and inspiring honorees. Tickets for the benefit, priced at $395 and $500 per person, are now available for purchase. Please call AIDS Assistance Program at 760-325-8481 or visit aidsassistance.org. Individual VIP seats and sponsorship opportunities are also available.
ABOUT VILLAGE PEOPLE
The world-famous group was formed in 1977 in New York’s Greenwich Village and their early popularity was primarily in discothèques and gay clubs. That changed in 1978 when their single "Macho Man" brought them mainstream attention, and their follow-up single "Y.M.C.A." became one of the most popular hits of the 1970s. Not only is Village People a disco icon, they've also been credited with helping to bring ‘gay culture’ to the mainstream. In fact, the widely known "Y.M.C.A." dance was not created by the group; the kids from Dick Clark's 'American Bandstand' actually started the hand motions.
The group's fame peaked in 1979, when they made several appearances on The Merv Griffin Show and traveled with Bob Hope to entertain U.S. troops. Over the years Village People and their music has been a part of many television shows, movies, concert tours, and performances ranging from Jerry Lewis's Muscular Dystrophy Association telethon to the 7th inning stretch at Yankee Stadium during a Major League Baseball All Stars game. They have been featured on the cover of Rolling Stone, and in 2004, they performed as the opening act for Cher on her Farewell Tour.
ABOUT EVENING UNDER THE STARS
Over the years Evening Under the Stars has featured the talents of a wide variety of entertainers. In 2014, an electrifying performance by the First Ladies of Disco – Linda Clifford, France Joli, Evelyn “Champagne” King, Maxine Nightingale, Pamala Stanley, Anita Ward, Martha Wash, and the ladies formerly of Chic: Alfa Anderson, Luci Martin, and Norma Jean – had everyone on their feet with an amazing night of 70’s dance music. Headliners Nell Carter, Tyne Daly, Melissa Manchester, Jane Oliver, Lorna Luft, Suzanne Somers, Bea Arthur, Barry Manilow, Nancy Wilson, Lily Tomlin and the entire remaining cast of Laugh In, Mary Wilson of The Supremes, Pink Martini, The B-52s, The Go-Go’s, Cyndi Lauper, and Darlene Love have all taken the stage in support of this very worthy cause.
ABOUT AIDS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Now in its 25th year of service to the community, AIDS Assistance Program of Palm Springs remains dedicated to providing nutritional support to improve the quality of the lives of people living with HIV/AIDS and other chronic illnesses. Initiated by a small group of concerned citizens led by the late Gloria Greene and Jeannette Rockefeller, AAP provides nutritional support to members of the community with low incomes.
For more information, please call 760-325-8481