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As of this week, a new
comprehensive Academy mailing list was created and the
first emails have gone out. It was generated from the
Academy Troop List. If you supplied an email address on
the Troop List, you should have received an email from "AcademyInfo"
at this website address (thewashingtonacademy.com).
If you are a member or friend of the Academy on the
Troop List and you didn't receive the email, please send
an
email to Veronica. Several emails have already been
returned because of non-existent email addresses.
Not a member of the Academy but
would still like to be kept abreast of Academy
happenings, send an
email to Veronica and she will add you to the
"Friends of The Academy" list. |
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The race to fill the
Zodiac wheel for the 2010 Zodiac contest has
begun and so far, seven of the monthly signs
have been taken. Five more are up for grabs
before the season ends this year.
The Zodiac Signs filled
so far are:
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Capricorn |
Tammy Faye Taylor |
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Aquarius |
Arizona Blake |
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Pisces |
Alexandra B. Childs |
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Aries |
Brad Michaels |
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Taurus |
CoCo Leone |
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Gemini |
Anthony Perkins |
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Cancer |
Riveria Vain Stephyns |
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Leo |
Shelby Stephyns |
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Virgo |
- to be scheduled - |
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Libra |
- to be scheduled - |
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Scorpio |
- to be scheduled - |
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Sagittarius |
- to be scheduled - |
Remember that you must
sign up with Kelly Garrett at least one week
before the contest if you want to compete. |
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On Sunday April 19, 2009, 26
contestants participated in the 2009 Miss Gaye Universe
DC Ball and Tammy Faye Taylor stepped down from the
title handing it over to Patti Lovelace, Miss Germany.
Blair Michaels, Miss England, was first runner-up
and Destiny B. Childs, Miss India, was second-runner-up. |
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The 2008 Miss Gaye
America (DC) Pageant was held at Ziegfeld's on
March 22, 2009. Five Academy members competed in
four categories: State Costume, Swimwear,
Talent, and Evening Gown.
The Academy members
competing were: Miss California, Deanna
Lexington; Miss Georgia, Chris Monroe; Miss
Maryland, CeeCee Leone, Miss Nevada, Gucci Renee
Blackwell, and Miss Washington, Destiny B.
Childs.
The current Miss Gaye
America (DC), Esmeralda Kane Jaymes, opened the
show with a reprisal of her winning talent
"Tropical Nights" and continued to entertain the
standing-room only crowd throughout the evening.
Esmeralda completed the evening as our Miss Gaye
America (DC) with the same style and grace she
exhibited throughout her reign.
Finalists in the
Pageant were: Miss Georgia, Chris Monroe; Miss
Maryland, CeeCee Leone, and Miss Nevada, Gucci
Renee Blackwell. First Runner-up was Miss
California, Deanna Lexington and our new Miss
Gaye America (DC) for 2008 is Destiny B. Childs,
Miss Washington. |
Destiny B.
Childs, the newly crowned Miss Gaye America DC,
celebrates with The Most Promising Actor, Trace
Couture |
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A new Royal Family was crowned
on Sunday, March 29, 2009 at Ziegfelds. After the current
Royal Family (King of Hearts Frank Sinatra, Queen of
Hearts Tula, Prince Charming Kanili Diamond,
and Cinderella AAshley Jozet Adams) said their farewells, a
new group of Royalty stepped into place.
The Gaye Prince Charming for
2009 is John Denver and Gaye Cinderella for
2009 is Alexandra B. Childs. Pat Garrett was crowned
the King of Hearts for 2009 and Sylvia Stallone is our new Queen of
Hearts for 2009. |
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On Sunday, March 22,
2009, the Academy and Beekman Place family lost
another dear member, Saywood Blake (David Ho)
from Richmond, VA. Saywood was up from Richmond
to attend the Miss Gaye America DC pageant with
his partner Charles when he passed. He was 52.
The family will receive
friends at Bliley's-Central, 3801 Augusta Ave.,
Thursday 3/26/2009 from 12 noon until 9 p.m.,
and where funeral services will be held 2 p.m
Friday. Interment to follow in Riverview
Cemetery.
Continue reading "In Memory:
Saywood Blake"
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The twelve signs were
filled, nine individuals competed and the
"women" of the Academy continue the hold on the
Zodiac medallion for another year!
The Zodiac Signs that
competed were:
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Capricorn |
Shelby Stephyns |
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Aquarius |
CoCo Leone |
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Taurus |
Veronica Blake |
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Gemini |
Anthony Perkins |
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Cancer |
Trace Couture |
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Virgo |
Ashley Jozet Adams |
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Libra |
Kanili Diamond |
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Scorpio |
Pat Garrett |
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Sagittarius |
Alexandra B. Childs |
After a wonderful
afternoon of entertainment and celebration of
the current Miss Gaye Zodiac Sylvia Stallone's
year, the title was passed on. Non-Finalist in
Self-Expression was Pat Garrett, Non-Finalist in
Talent was CoCo Leone, 3rd Runner-up was Shelby
Stephyns, 2nd Runner-up was Trace Couture, 1st
Runner-up was Anthony Perkins, and the title of
Miss Gaye Zodiac for 2009 was won by Miss
Taurus, Veronica Blake.
Congratulations to
Veronica and "Bravo" to all the contestants for
a great Zodiac Finals contest. |
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Congratulations to Kanili
Diamond for winning the title of Mr. Gaye USA (DC) and
Athena Couture for winning the coveted "silver rose" as
Miss Gaye USA (DC). It was a wonderful evening of
competition and all of the contestants deserve a "bravo"
for their efforts. |
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The third time was a charm for
Xavier B. Childs as took the Miss Gaye Turnabout (DC)
crown as Sierra Dawn Childs on Sunday, February 22, 2009
at Ziegfelds. The 2007 Miss Gaye Turnabout (DC) Deanna
Lexington stepped down from her title with the same
grace and poise she exhibited during her year and
Carlton Stephens (as Keena Marie Stephens) proved once
again what a well-rounded entertainer he is. |
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Our first titles were given out
at our new home, Ziegfelds, on Sunday February 15, 2009.
After Athena Couture and Xavier B. Childs, gave up their
titles, the Academy Debutantes and Debonairs were
introduced to the Gaye President (DC) of the Academy,
Anthony Dennis. As the evening closed, Shammy Jaymes and
Shelby Stephyns were selected as the new 2008 Mr. and
Miss Black and White. |
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Shauna Miller, an NPR intern,
attended our first event of the season, The New Faces
Show, and wrote a great article highlighting our group,
our new home at Ziegfelds, and what its like to be
a "new face". Click
here to read the article and see some pictures from
that show. |
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Since we are getting ready
to start our new Academy season, I wanted to touch
base with everyone about upcoming Academy contests.
Please remember that you
must be a dues-paying member in good standing, and
must have 6 months membership in the Academy by the
time of the contests listed below to be
eligible to compete:
Miss Gaye Tunabout DC
(Feb. 22)
Entertainer of
Turnabout DC (Feb. 22)
Mr. and Miss Gaye USA DC
(Mar. 1)
Miss
Gaye America DC (Mar. 22)
If you are interested
in signing up for any of these contests, you need to
let me know as soon as you can. The cut off for
signing up for ANY Academy contest is ONE WEEK
BEFORE THE DATE OF THE CONTEST.
If you have questions about
the rules for any of these contests, please get in
touch with me and I will be happy to provide you
details. An updated version of the
ACADEMY COMPETITION RULES AND GUIDELINES is now
available for Academy members. This document includes the
rules and regulations for all Academy
contests except
Miss America. Those rules are provided to
contestants who sign up in a separate contestant
letter, which I will also try to have ready by the
Black and White Ball for those who have already signed up and for
those interested in signing up.
Also -- the title of ANY
song being performed for ANY contest needs to be
submitted to me BEFORE the date of the
contest. This way all contestants will be assured
that there will be no duplicate numbers performed.
You cannot show up the day of a contest and turn in
your number or change your number without first
checking with me to be sure that another contestant
hasn't already submitted it. All songs are FIRST
COME, FIRST SERVED -- which means that the first
person to submit a song to me gets to do it.
We also have our Miss Gaye
Universe DC pageant coming up on April 26th. As you
all know, this is a PRE-DETERMINED "contest." If
you are interested in walking the
Miss Universe pageant, you need to choose a
country and let me know. I can let you know if the
country you would like is taken or not. The rule
is, if a person had a given country the year before,
they get first choice of it this year. I can give
you further information about
Miss
Universe if you need it -- just ask me.
Thanks for your attention
to these details and your participation in these
events -- and if you have any questions about any of
this, please don't hesitate to contact me. I look
forward to a GREAT season, and to seeing a lot of
your wonderful talent in these contests!
Kelly Garrett,
Addison Road House Mother and Academy Contestant
Coordinator
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Sarah DeVine (Gerald D.
Cohen) died of a heart attack on Tuesday,
December 30, 2008 at his home in Silver Spring,
MD. He was 63.
Sarah was a member of
Beekman Place as Mame Dennis' daughter. She
appeared in the 1972 Beekman Place production of
"Cabaret". She served Beekman Place as its Best
Actress of 1983 and Miss Beekman Place in 1984,
sharing both titles with her partner, Ray (Halston)
Stevens.
Continue reading "In Memory: Sarah Devine" |
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Herb Dennis (Herb
Grafer) died in Ft. Lauderdale, FL of a heart
attack on December 19th, 2008. He was 59.
Herb began his
association with the Academy in Henry Street as
Tony Orlando. He was a Knight of the Court of
Prince Charming in 1975 and on the Mr. Academy
Awards Court in 1976.
He was the co-owner of
the "Fantasies" located at 1239 9th Street NW
for a year and a half in the mid-80s. Their
extravagant shows featured Kim Novak, Brandy
Dover, and LaLa Maharis. The bar received the
Washington Achievement Golden Boy in 1983.
Continue reading "In Memory: Herb Dennis"
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The Academy held a joint family
Christmas Party at Freddie's Beach Bar & Restaurant in
Arlington, VA on Sunday December 14, 2008. A traditional
holiday buffet of ham and turkey was enjoyed by
everyone. Entertainment was
provided by: Mr. Showbusiness, Xavier B. Childs; Miss
Showbusiness, Destiny B. Childs; Miss Gaye America (DC),
Esmeralda Kane Jaymes; Miss Gaye Universe (DC) Tammy
Faye Taylor; The Best Actor, Ricky Van Shelton; and the
Best Actress, Regina Jozet Adams.
Entertainers from 42nd Street included the Best Actor,
Big Daddy and the Best Actress, Dixie Carter.
Addison Road performers were: Mr. and Miss Addison Road,
Trace Couture and Athena Couture, and the Best Actress,
Kelly Garrett. Representing
Beekman Place were: The Duke of Beekman Place, Patrick
Turner Lee, the Best Drag, Gucci Renee Blackwell; and
the Best Actress, Ophelia Bottoms.
All of the entertainers tips were donated to
PETS-DC in memory of Cat Stevens with a total of
$1000 collected from a various generous audience.
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Catherine E.
Stevens, SSGT USMC, known to the Academy as Cat
Stevens died on October 25, 2008 at the Hospice in
Wheaton, MD after a long illness. He was 84 this past
August. Cat had been a member of the Academy since 1977
and was a member of the Executive Board for many years.
He served in the two highest male titles in the Academy,
President and Best Actor. He resided in Bowie, Maryland,
and his swimming pool was the popular location for many
Academy and Beekman Place parties.
Continue reading "Cat Stevens - A Tribute"
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Patrick E. Nicholson
was found dead at his residence in Rehoboth
Beach, DE on Monday, August 18, 2008. He was 69.
Pat was a native of Washington DC. After high
school graduation, he spent 4 years in the
Franciscan Monastery.
He used the name
"Rhonda Fleming" in his early drag experiences,
but changed it to "Lucille Ball" in 1963 when he
joined the Academy as Lady Charlotte's daughter.
Continue reading "Memories of a Washington Drag
Legend"
A memorial service was
held for Pat Nicholson (Lucille Ball) at 7:00 pm
on September 9, 2008 at The Center for Deaf
Ministries, 7272 Buchanan Street, Landover
Hills, MD. Mass was celebrated by Father Jerry
(who was also Pat's friend). Many of Pat's
friends attended the service. Also, the Best
Actor of the Academy, 6 former Best Actors and 7
former Best Actresses were in attendance.
Speakers included Charles Soper (Lady
Charlotte), Carl Rizzi (Mame Dennis), and Owen
Basil. A reception followed the service.
Pat's remains were
interred with his beloved mother "Bunny" at the
Mt. Olivet Cemetary.
Click
here to read Mame Dennis' remarks from the
service. |
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With last year's very
successful first entry in the AIDS Walk
Washington that raised over $5000 for the cause,
the Academy of Washington is participating this
year as well.
Team Captain this year
is Blair Michaels and we're hoping that you will
help join our team by either joining as a
walker (heels not required) or by making a
donation to the team's effort.
To join the team or to
make a donation, follow this
link. |
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After months of work and many,
many interviews with Mame Dennis and others, the
Washington Post article "Long Live The Queens" was
published today in the Sunday, August 10, 2008
Washington Post magazine. The article not only explains
the problems we've had finding a new home after Club 55
opened but also how we're persevered since the new ball
park took our area.
If you didn't get a copy of the
magazine, click
here to read the article on The Washington Post web
site.
You can also click
here and go directly to "The Show Must Go On"
the video interview of Mame Dennis and see images from
several of the show this past Spring at Apex. It's a
very memorable video on our long-standing organization.
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Members of the Academy were
saddened to learn of the sudden death of David (Tara) at
his home in Savannah, Georgia on May 5th, 2008.
David Geddings appeared in the
New Faces of 1985. That Fall, he joined Beekman Place as
Maggie O'Hara's son - Jock O'Hara. He was a New BPer of
1985 and received the Beekman Place Mr. Congeniality
Award of 1986 and was Beekman Place Outstanding Person
of 1987. He received the 1987 Golden Boy for Male
Standing Ovation.
As Mr. New Jersey, he won the
first Mr. Gaye USA (DC) Contest on 1985.
He was on Academy Protocol in 1987 as Mr. Academy. He
was 2nd Runner-up to Miss Turnabout in 1987 and he won
the Turnabout Contest in 1988. At that time - Tara
O'Hara was "born".
As Miss Wisconsin, Tara won the
Miss Gaye USA (DC) contest in 1988 and she was on
Academy Protocol in 1992 as Miss Academy - becoming the
counterpart to both his previous male titles - and he
was Miss Golden Boy in 2003.
As Miss South Africa, Tara
became Miss Gaye Universe (DC) of 1995.
Tara's Beekman awards included:
Drag Personality, Drag Entertainer, Most Talented Drag,
Woman of the Year, Drag Achievement, Creative Actress,
Outstanding Drag, The Brandy Dover "Pride" Award. and
Supporting Actress. She was on Beekman Place
Protocol as Best Drag, Duchess, The Queen of Basic
Black, and she served her family as the Best Actress of
Beekman Place.
Her Golden Boy awards included
Creative Actress, Drag Outstanding Ovation, Best Drag In
A Single, Best Drag In A Series, Washington Achievement,
Drag Personality, Miss Espirit de Corps, Entertainer of
the Golden Boys, and Best Actress in a Single
Performance.
Tara's professional drag career
in the city was legendary. Her up-beat, disco
entertainment, flamboyant outfits that featured her
terrific gams, and the quick snapping of her
ever-present fan were her trademarks. Her talents
were recognized by the Beekman Place Ella Fitzgerald
Professional Entertainer Award and the Golden Boy Award
for Professional Drag Entertainer. Tara was active in
the Academy and she was always willing to perform in a
benefit show. She was one of the friendliest members we
have ever had. her sudden death on May 5th was a shock
to everyone especially since she had just been to the
Universe Ball and appeared in excellent health.
At the May 18th show, this
tribute was read and a moment of silence was held in
memory of Tara. Miss Showbusiness, Destiny B. Childs
performed a HOOP number, "Last Dance" which was one of
Tara's favorites.
Mame Dennis
May 18th, 2008
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Webmaster's Note: The following
email was received from David's (Tara's) brother:
"I would like to thank the
Academy on behalf of the Geddings Family for the lovely
spray of flowers you sent. The Academy was a large part
of David’s life if Washington.
Please pass on our thanks to all of Academy members who
posted Memorials on the website at the funeral home.
They were a big comfort to Mom to know that he was so
highly thought of in the Washington community. He will
be missed by his family her and his extended family in
Washington. Thanks Joe (David’s Brother)"
You can
view the
memorials if you click
here, it
will take you to the online obituary for David Geddings '(Tara
O'Hara) family.
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On Sunday, May 4th
2008, our 46th Best Actor Jack Kazan and Best
Actress, Blair Michaels "did it their way" and
gave up their titles in a wonderful evening of
style and tradition. Golden Boys in a variety of
categories were given to talented members and a
new group of protocol title holders were
awarded.
Taking the Academy's
highest titles were our new Best Actor and Best
Actress. Our 47th Best Actor is Ricky Van
Shelton and our 47th Best Actress is Regina
Jozet Adams. In addition
to our new Best Actor and Best Actress, the
Protocol Holders for our 47th Year are:
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Mr. and Miss Gaye Golden
Boy: |
Big Daddy and Athena
Couture |
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Mr. and Miss Gaye
Academy: |
Chip Dennis and Sarah Lee
Garrett |
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Best Drag In A Series: |
Dixie Carter |
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Most Promising Actor and
Actress: |
Trace Couture and Grayce Lande Garrett |
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Mr. and Miss Showbusiness: |
Xavier Bottoms Destiny B.
Childs |
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Emperor and Empress of
the Silver Screen: |
Barry White and Gucci
Renee Blackwell |
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Supporting Actor and
Actress: |
Sting and Kelly Garrett |
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NY Drama Critic's Best
Actor and Actress: |
AJ Turner and Tula |
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Vice-President and
Vice-Lady: |
Patrick Turner Lee and
CeeCee Leone |
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President and First
Gentleman: |
Anthony Dennis and
Stetson Black |
Congratulations to all of our Golden Boy
recipients and to our new Best Actor and
Actress. And knowing Ricky and Regina, we are
definitely in for a most enjoyable and
unforgettable year! |
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