Date: Fri, 02 Jan 1998 18:07:25 -0800 From: Eros Publishing Subject: Press Release Scene About Town A dungeon party with a classic twist: "A Night in Casablanca" showcases creative fetishwear A certain someone wore white - and after Labor Day, no less - but under the circumstances, she could be forgiven. Her white uniform was more than appropriate wear at the Casablanca benefit party, produced Dec 27th by 1998 Seattle Leather Ambassador, Bev "Buff" Sobelman, and her partner, Tammy Campbell (a.k.a. Angel of Portland). More than 60 people attended the GLPW* benefit, which was held at Seattle's Torture Garden. The facilities were generously donated by the proprietress, Mistress Cat, and the time and energy of some half-dozen others made the event memorable. Palm trees and Moroccan archways transformed the space into Rick's Dungeon Americain for the evening, with sounds of big band music enhancing the 1940s mood. Local vintage shops reported a run on 40s-style clothing, and video rentals of the classic film were up as well, as the local leather community prepared for the event. Among the creative ensembles displayed that evening were vintage dresses and hats, German army uniforms, harem clothes, and fezzes (including an authentic Shriner's hat oddly marked "Fifi"). One prominent member of the local community surprised everyone by showing up in a nattily tailored suit, but soon returned to a more familiar form - and was duly ticketed by the fashion police - by wandering the dungeon stripped down to black socks and spats. Our hosts, in the leading roles of Rick and Ilsa, greeted guests at the door when not indulging in a graceful foxtrot across the dungeon floor. Only one guest committed the egregious faux pas of showing up dressed as one of the hosts, but one had to admit that she looked simply smashing in her white smoking jacket and scarf. She also had the good manners to remove her outfit later in the evening, gaining the approval of both hosts by revealing delightful vintage lingerie and heels. Enthusiastic reports from attendees confirm that the event was a huge success. It raised over $300 for the Alternative Sexuality Book Fund, and demonstrated once again that the leather community is not only willing to support a good cause; it can do it with style. Rumor has it that the producers are considering making this an annual event, and encourage others in the local community to follow their lead. Imagine the opportunities for a pansexual community... "Wizard of Oz" parties in the Emerald city, "Singin' In The Rain" parties, or even... dare we say it... "Mad Max: Beyond Kingdome". Contact Buff at bevz@byz.org for helpful hints on how to produce your own theme party, or simply to let us know what you thought of this one. Ideas and comments are welcome. We also invite you to visit the SLA web site, at http://www.byz.org/~bevz/SLA/sla.htm, for photos and reports from past events as well as news about upcoming activities. * Generic Leather Productions of Washington Meet me at The Lava Lounge www.wolfenet.com/~aubrey/lava.htm