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College Park City Councilmember Patrick Wojahn explained last night why this Historical Society-held affair earns the “Peoples” designation—-the $100 price-tag is significantly cheaper than the week’s other gay events. The crown jewel of the gay inaugural balls, the HRC’s Tuesday-night “Out for Equality” fete, will feature performances by Melissa Etheridge, Cyndi Lauper, and Rufus Wainwright. Last night’s LGBT Gayla didn’t pack that sort of star-power, but it did feature an opening drag show (which I missed), words from Barney Frank (missed those, too) and a set by DJ Gavin Holland (he played “Party All the Time”!)
Wojahn’s partner, Dave Kolesar, says he was wary of the false party economy that sprung up after the inauguration, allowing any old institution to charge upwards of $100 for entrance. But after Wojahn dragged him to the party (which, yep, cost $100 a head), Kolesar says he was “pleasantly surprised” at the outcome. “It’s great to be able to be part of the event,” says Kolesar. “We wanted to do something gay, and we couldn’t afford any of the other ones,” added Wojahn. “If I want to see Rufus Wainwright, I’ll pay 40 bucks to see him at the 9:30 Club.”