18

GAY PEOPle's ChroNICLE SEPTEMBER 12, 1997

“

Imaginative menu & first

The Hostess

with the

Mostess

Maxine Fisher

on Wednesday,

Sept. 17

16

人

Donna Mogavero

on Sunday,

out

Sept.28

on

main

eat! drink cele

""

rate chef

Jon Christensen This Week

·

Continental Menu

· Fun Bar Menu · Gospel Brunch every Sunday

First Lesbi-Gay Themed Restaurant profiled in Nation's Restaurant News & CNN fn Winner of four National Design Awards

122 East Main St. Columbus, Ohio 614-224-9510

the story continues...

THE HUMAN RACE THEATRE COMPANY PRESENTS

ANGELS inAMERICA

PART TWO: PERESTROIKA by Tony Kushner

EVENINGS OUT

After three years, singer

returns in benefit show

by Eric Resnick

Canton-Fans of Melissa Franjesh will celebrate what she informally calls her "comeback tour" following a three-year hiatus due to illness. Three area groups will benefit from two performances of "Making Memories," which she will perform October 3 and 4.

Melissa, who prefers to use only her first name, began her career in 1981 singing in piano bar in New York and Atlantic City. She has done extensive theater work in northeast Ohio, including the role of Fraulein Kost in a production of Cabaret at Theatre 815, in Greentown north of Canton.

But Melissa's passion is using her voice to raise public awareness and funds for organizations that work for gay and lesbian equality and people with AIDS.

Since 1991, Melissa and her partner Patty Foor have raised over $20,000 for such causes and Akron's Emmanuel Fellowship Church. The beneficiaries of this year's concert are Stonewall Akron, a lesbian-gay political group; St. Hope, which provides housing for people with AIDS in Canton; and Violet's Cupboard, a food bank for people affected by AIDS.

Melissa

According to Melissa, beneficiary organizations are chosen by her based on need and what she calls "concrete and tangible proof" that they are helping the community. Melissa points to Violet's Cupboard as an example.

"The need keeps increasing," Melissa said. "Their caseload is up to 352. Including family members, they are now serving over 1,000 people. Eighty-one of them are children,"

COMMITMENT Vows

I perform ceremonies outside the traditional fold with sincere respect for each couple who love, honor & cherish each other.

Please call Rev. Renee Goodman 216/247-2772

"I started to sing to benefit people with AIDS after a friend asked me to sing at his funeral," she continued. "Then others asked. But I wanted them to hear me while they're living. It was then I decided the best thing I can do is to raise money."

Melissa's concert will also be the kickoff event for Communication Workers of America Local 4302 Charity of Choice drive. PATTY FOOR

The union's charity of choice is the national Pediatric AIDS Foundation. All of Melissa's concerts have reached out to non-gay groups and attracted supporters across the community.

"Making Memories" has also drawn attention from the New York arts community. Tom Viola, producing director of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS called Melissa with congratulations. In addition to purchasing a full-page ad in the program, Viola sent five autographed Broadway show posters for auction to raise additional funds.

Melissa is a native of the Akron area and attended Field High School. She now lives in Canal Fulton with Patty Foor and their daughter Cinara.

Melissa has big ambitions for her musical

career.

"I'm ready to step out and start making music," she said proudly, pointing to her desire to record. "But," she said, “No matter where my career goes, I will always put the fight against AIDS first."

"Making Memories" will take place at the Mayfield Senior Center, 3825 13th St. SW, in Canton on October 3 and 4. Tickets are $18 in advance and $20 at the door. Advanced tickets can be purchased by calling Melissa or Patty at 330-882-0011. ✓

PASSALACQUA & SEIFERT

Attorneys at Law

በ

'...stunning.”

CINCINNATI CITYBEAT

The Loft Theatre • Dayton, Ohio TICKETS $23/$19

937.228.3630

WARNING: This production contains graphic language and nudity.

SEPTEMBER 11 28

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