On Sunday, Facing East Dance & Music held its tenth anniversary benefit party at Uptown Body and Fender in Oakland. Aside from fixing cars, the proprietor, Giovanna, also uses her building to showcase the local arts scene. The venue was fantastic for the party and would make a good screening location for our film too. Catering was provided by Leslie Masler from Just Delicious, and the food was indeed scrumptious and wonderful. Rae especially liked the nectarine slices and I enjoyed the orzo salad.
It was great to see so many of the Facing East dancers at the event, though many of them were unfamiliar to us. It’s been awhile since Rae last danced for FEDM. As you know, we’ve been busy with our documentary film, Autumn Gem. Count Aileen, Claudine, Perry (she’s so tall now!), Elizabeth, and of course Sue Li-Jue, among the dancers we enjoyed reconnecting with.
The benefit had two musical performances by Joe Venegoni and Yumi Thomas, whom we last saw back in November, 2004, at a performance at Varnish Art Gallery in San Francisco. That was around the time Rae and I were doing our wedding invitations, and I was sporting quite a mustache! Funny then, that I won a hair styling appointment at Prez Inc. Hair Salon in Oakland during the silent auction. I’m not sure how I’m going to change my hairstyle, but when I do… I might just have to get a look different from what I’ve had in the past! We shall see.
In the meantime, enjoy the photos from the Tenth Anniversary Facing East Dance & Music Benefit Party!
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