AUSTIN, March 1, 2011: Attendees at the 18th annual Viva Las Vegas will find themselves spirited away to the past and future of Viva Las Vegas with a Coco Coquette show, Sky Candy aerialists, the vinyl grooves of DJ Orion, faux gambling, culinary delights from Austin’s top restaurants, and an expansive silent auction. The best part: party-goers can indulge in a righteous good time while doing good — Viva benefits AIDS Services of Austin and the people they serve through the Capital Area AIDS Legal Project and many other services, including HIV prevention education and testing.
ASA’s Viva Las Vegas charity benefit party is set for 8:00 to 11:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 5, at the Austin Music Hall.
Coco Coquette started out as an otherworldly wig shop, but has morphed into something so much more. According to owner Allyson Garro, Coco Coquette specializes in “the art of incognito, fine-tuning showgirl artifice, and embracing your inner drag queen. We believe that everything is more fun when wearing false eyelashes and that red lipstick is for everyone.”
Her recent show, Cherchez La Femme, was met with rave reviews, including by Stephen Moser, owner of a couple of Austin’s sharpest style-critical eyes. Coco Coquette’s premier performance at the Austin Music Hall marks the first time that most of Viva’s attendees will get to experience a Coco Coquette performance.
Viva Las Vegas Guests of Honor include Stephen Moser (style avatar for the Austin Chronicle), Rochelle Rae (founder of Rae Cosmetics) and Marques Harper (fashion editor for the Austin American-Statesman).
Emcees for the evening include beloved TV personality Michelle Valles and Mark Chapin (graciously on loan from KEYE).
Viva culinary delights are courtesy of Kerbey Lane Catering, Frank, Garrido’s Restaurant, Hail Merry, Mirabelle Restaurant, Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill, and Paggi House.
Tickets are $65 in advance online at www.asaustin.org/viva or at BookPeople. Tickets at the door are $75. Viva is a volunteer-driven event chaired by John MacDonald of John Girard Salon, with support from many volunteers and a small team of staff at AIDS Services of Austin.
The mission of AIDS Services of Austin is to respond to the HIV needs of the Austin area by providing services that enhance the health and well-being of individuals and the community in the face of an evolving epidemic.
###
