A great Gaga weekend
We went Gaga – at least thousands of us sure did when the world’s biggest pop star performed at the KFC Yum! Center last weekend.
Chris Fulkerson and her daughter went Gaga as Mama Monster and Little Monster. Chris served bologna appetizers to go along with her meat dress - yes, those are (faux) bologna slices - to accompany Hannah.
The concert was phenomenal, but the most thrilling part of the whole evening, at least for me, was watching people from all walks of life descend upon the downtown area in all manner of attire and just have a big ol’ time.
My preparations started at the home of Jon Freels and JD Dotson, who helped me “go Gaga” with gold glitter body cream and a faux tattoo. I then returned to my own residence to get into my full outfit, which included a fabulous fascinator by Jennifer McCarty of Run for My Roses. Soon, my pals Jacob Isaac and Gerome Stephens, along with a host of others, picked me up at my Irish Hill home in a 15-passenger van, which we proceeded to valet at Proof. The staff there was fabulous and fun, as always. But where else in the River City would you and your friends – who aren’t wearing much in the way of conventional clothing – go when you’re not wearing much more than a gold lamé bikini and a black tutu and heading to a Lady Gaga concert? 21c Museum Hotel was the only place to be. At least to start off the night.
From there, we went to the Yum! Center and spent the next hour people watching and being watched by people. You couldn’t help but also be touched by the tens of individuals who seemed truly touched by the collective display of unity through uniqueness. This wasn’t just an evening that offered an easy excuse to dress up any way – and I mean any way – you pleased. It was so much more.
Going Gaga: I went Gaga too, first with a (faux) tattoo by artist JD Dotson, followed by several coats of gold glitter body cream, plenty of gold lame, a black tutu, a 1920s faux fur coat, a fascinator from Run For My Roses owner Jennifer McCarty and a kickin pair of high-heeled black ‘n’ gold boots from Caufield’s that I danced in until I literally could no longer move. My metallic friend and concert seatmate, Jacob Isaac, went all silver to my golden hue.
That reality hit home even more so at the post-concert bash, The AfterPARTY at the Kentucky International Convention Center, benefiting the Fairness Campaign. The event, organized by Joyce King Jennings, was hosted by Louisville native and LOGO reality star Derek Saathoff of “The A-List: New York.” It was the perfect kickoff to the Fairness Campaign’s 20th anniversary celebration.
What was perhaps most meaningful was that earlier in the week Chris Hartman, director of the Fairness Campaign, had educated me about the laws of Kentucky. Until speaking with him, I had no idea only three cities – Louisville, Lexington and Covington – in the Bluegrass State have passed ordinances that protect people from being discriminated against based on sexual orientation and gender identity. I was incredulous. Only three cities? “Yes,” Chris said, somberly. But then he smiled. “Aren’t we lucky to be living in Louisville? I’m really proud of us. And to think Lady Gaga is performing in a city that also touts itself for being weird? What a great weekend.”
Going Gaga: Voice-Tribune reader Ami Scouton with Malissa Koebel.
Go to www.voice-tribune.com to see video and photo coverage of all things Gaga.
Contact Angie at angie@voice-tribune.com, (502) 551-2698, www.facebook.com/angiefenton1 or www.twitter.com/angiefenton.
About the Author (Author Profile)
You’ve seen her on T.V.
You’ve seen her out and about.
She is Angie Fenton, The Voice-Tribune’s Managing Editor. More than just a print journalist, she’s also the entertainment correspondent for “Great Day Live,” WHAS11′s morning show; 84WHAS; Churchill Downs, the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks, and Breeders’ Cup. Whew, that’s a mouthful.
Angie holds both a bachelor’s and master’s in English from Central Michigan University and began her career as an adjunct professor at her alma mater. In addition to her multimedia life, she mentors several formerly homeless families, rescues stray animals and commits time to numerous nonprofit organizations. Angie is the youngest of five and a Michigan native. She and her three dogs, Bud, Herbie and Yoda have called Louisville home since June, 2002.
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Heh, Angie – thanks for the Pic of Ashley in the Gaga Section. Contrats on Ur New? job as Editor. Ash still loves U from Girls on the Run in Anchorage!!