Las Vegas: AIDSWalk 2017 For AFAN

Time to walk!

I got a late start blogging today as I joined thousands of folks including Las Vegas headliners Tyson Beckford, the Chippendales, Human Nature, Melody Sweet (Absinthe), Carrot Top plus Congressman Ruben Kihuen and Coco Montrese (RuPaul's Drag Race) for the 2017 AIDSWalk which benefits AFAN (Aid for AIDS Nevada).

Penn & Teller again served as Grand Marshals for the annual event.

Aid for AIDS of Nevada (AFAN) was founded in 1984 and is the oldest and largest AIDS service organization in the state of Nevada.

Gorgeous day, gorgeous people, and a gorgeous goal - to help those affected by HIV/AIDS.

The Chippendales with current Celebrity Host Tyson Beckford

Human Nature revved everyone up with some tunes

The Chippendales, Penn & Teller, Carrot Top and Tyson Beckford

Broadway in the Hood sang from Dear Evan Hansen and RENT

In case you ever wondered how short I really am.
From L-R: James Davis, Tyson Beckford, me, RK Kelsey, Okewa Garrett

A rite of spring ... @melodysweetsofficial swinging and singing #AfanLV ...

A post shared by John Katsilometes (@johnnykats1) on Apr 23, 2017 at 9:40am PDT

Great morning kicking-off the Annnual #AIDSWalkLV and recognizing @AFANLV for their tireless work in raising HIV/AIDS awareness in our community. We must continue working together to find a cure for HIV/AIDS. #NV04

A post shared by Ruben J. Kihuen (@rubenkihuen) on Apr 23, 2017 at 11:30am PDT

Las Vegas: Ross Mathews Will Host This Year's "Black & White Party" By AFAN

TV personality Ross Mathews will bring his charisma and his own fashion-forward monochromatic look to Las Vegas when he hosts Aid for AIDS of Nevada's (AFAN) 29th Annual Black & White Party on Saturday, Aug. 29 at 9 p.m. inside The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

The premier party of the year will showcase a pop up wedding chapel and fully ordained officiant to perform weddings and vow renewals for the first time in Black & White history.

Entertainers including The Perry Twins, Maren Wade, "Love is Love" by Legends in Concert, Pia Zadora, DJ Axis, Nick Ayler, The Sound Collage, Brandon Godfrey and Boiis will take the stage while steampunk-inspired decor from the International Special Events Society (ISES) transforms the venue.

Guests will sample bites from top restaurants including Culinary Dropout, Ferraro's, FU, Pink Taco, 35 Steaks + Martinis, Hexx, Popcorn Girl, Jamba Juice, Brio and more. Back Bar USA will pour top shelf spirits from its portfolio of brands including Bacardi, Corona, Cavalli Vodka, Absolut and Jameson.

More than 40 raffle prizes will be up for grabs including packages from Aria, Life is Beautiful, Mandarin Oriental, Exotics Racing, Penn & Teller and The Cosmopolitan.

The $50 general admission ticket price also grants admission to the official after party at Piranha Nightclub and Temptation Sundays pool party at the Luxor the following day.

While the Black & White is an unforgettable festive atmosphere, AFAN Executive Director Antioco Carrillo wants guests to remember the evening still has a sobering purpose to fight HIV/AIDS and eradicate the stigma it carries in Southern Nevada.

"We want people to get dressed up, come let loose and have the time of their lives," said Carrillo. "But at the same time, it's important to remember the event is ultimately dedicated to raising funds for locals living with AIDS and sending a message of prevention."

Tickets can be purchased at afanlv.org. $130 VIP tickets with early entry at 8 p.m. or VIP tables with four tickets for $600 are also available. Guests must be 21+ years old.

Black and white attire required for admission.

(via press release)

Pics from AFAN Las Vegas "Black & White Party"

I attended one of Las Vegas' biggest charity events last night at the Hard Rock's The Joint - Aid for AIDS Nevada's "Black & White Party."

Great event - lots of food and drink sponsors, so as you enjoy the entertainment (which was great, more about that in a second...) you have gourmet food and specialty cocktails to keep you happy.

Hosting the event was the always excellent Chris Saldana (Las Vegas' favorite news anchor) and radio personality Lauren Michaels (from Chet Buchanan's "Morning Zoo").  Trading off on the hosting duties were Jaymes Vaughan and James Davis - Team Chippendales from The Amazing Race. Plus, Jaymes and James performed their own set of music while introducing others like Eric Jordan Young (star of Vegas the Show), Las Vegas Strip headliner Maren Wade,  newly minted Las Vegas Strip star Veronic, and many more.

I started out taking some pics and tweeting them as black and white (trying to stick to the evening's theme, don't you know), but the lighting and colors in the room were so fab I gave that a rest. Check out some highlights from last night.

And make sure you go check out AFAN's website and see what you can do to get involved or donate. The organization has events throughout the year, and it's always a good time.

Party just getting started and already a full house

Event hosts Chris Saldana, Lauren Michaels, Jaymes Vaughan and James Davis

Team Chippendales hotties Jaymes Vaughan (L) and James Davis (R) hosting the evening

More Jaymes and James - couldn't resist another picture :)

Jaymes and James perform for the crowd

I got a little creative with this pic of James Davis when tweeting, but I
still like the black and white vibe; kinda suits his rock star moment.

I was still in "black and white" mode watching the fab Eric Jordan Young of
Vegas the Show wow the audience

Friends along the party pathway! Kelly Smith (L) and her hubby Michael (behind me), plus my bud of many years Dr. Mike Karagiozis (in black behind me) and his guest.

I grabbed a quick pic with Jaymes Vaughan right before he took the stage

The fabulous Veronic, who keeps getting extended and extended in her run at Ballys,
was amazing giving us some Tina Turner and more

Walking entertainment was available everywhere for fun photo-ops

Las Vegas: 27th Annual B&W Party for Aid for AIDS Nevada - TONIGHT!

Tonight at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas raises money for Aid for AIDS Nevada with an over-the-top party with outlandish black and/or white avant guard costumes and sexy attire. The Black and White Party is a premier Las Vegas event that will always impress.

If you're in Vegas, make sure you catch one of the biggest and best parties of the year.

Hosts and entertainment line-up includes Las Vegas Strip headliners Veronic, Mark Shunock from Rock of Ages, Maren Wade, Jaymes and James - Team Chippendales of The Amazing Race, Lauren Michaels of Chet Buchanan and the Morning Zoo, Chris Saldana, Recycled Percussion, stars from Vegas the Show, and more.

For more info, head over to the AFAN website.

2012 AFAN Black & White Party with Ace Young & Diana DeGarmo

Great gala event in Las Vegas last night as Aid for AIDS Nevada held one of their largest fund-raising events of the year - The Black & White Ball.

Many of Las Vegas' top headlining performers showed up to wow the audience at the Nirvana Pool at the Hard Rock Hotel was transformed into an unforgettable party atmosphere, with a sea of people dressed in black and white, all with the common goal to fight HIV/AIDS in Southern Nevada. The party began at 9pm and attendees were treated to tastings from some of Las Vegas’ premier restaurant and spirit vendors.

A special surprise was Diana DeGarmo and Ace Young, former American Idol finalists and now leading Broadway and music artists in their own right, took to the stage for a rousing "Any Way You Want It.' See my iPhone video above.

The event expertly moved along by host Jaymes Vaughan, and we were also treated to an appearance by US Senate candidate Shelley Berkley, a longtime ally of the LGBT community.

For more info about AFAN visit their website at www.afanlv.org

Diana DeGarmo, Michael, Ace Young and me at 2012 AFAN "Black & White Party"