By Valerie Milano
Whereas Dinah’s past is a celebration and culmination of the work done to advance womankind, that recent history seems but a brief respite from the far right’s renewed battle to marginalize and legislatively abuse all women of colors and economic strata. The party was just as hearty as Dinah’s of the past, but we all knew we would be returning to the front come Monday.
Thursday saw Zelda’s Nightclub play host to the opening party for those who were able to play hooky from work or school. The music and mania continued late into the evening.
Friday morning saw the TGIDF (Thank God It’s Dinah Friday) pool party with rousing entertainment provided by 90’s dancefloor icons Blackbox and the energetic acoustic trio Velvet Dive. As usual the weather in Palm Springs was amazing and early birds began work in earnest on their first hangover of the weekend.
Friday night saw a pink tsunami “swamp” The Hard Rock Hotel during the renamed “Pink Pussy Party” to the throbbing entertainment of CeCe Peniston and Kittens. Those not in possession of the ubiquitous “Pussy Hat” contributed to the vibe with some other hot pink accessory item or outfit.
April Fools’ was the busiest day and was kicked off in the A.M. with the “Wet and Wild Pool Party” which was wet and wild in so many senses of the words and, was headlined by hard-charging Brooklyn songwriter/rapper Tish Hyman.
The Hard Rock Hotel truly lived up to its name in the P.M. with two seminal Dinah events: a date-appropriate April Fools’ Day “Dinah Comedy House”, which featuring sets by Erin Foley, Julie Goldman, and Gina Yashere and then there was the mega blowout that was the “Hollywood Party” featuring entertainment by rapper Lady Cultura, DJ/world surf champion Kealla Kennelly, and FHB.
The LGBTQ side of the film and television world were in the house when Tellofilms hosted a midday meet-and-greet inside the Hilton. While the pool festivities raged on, a group of veteran actors, producers, and screenwriters who were all connected to Tellofilms’ progressive and inclusive programming mingled with fans and fellow filmmakers.
All the while, the women of Dinah were entertained by a non-stop parade of DJ’s, dancers, and other performers including “America’s Got Talent” beatboxer extraordinaire Butterscotch. Ladies again raged, danced, swooned, and partied into the wee hours.
Kate Kendell, Executive Director of NCLR (National Center for Lesbian Rights), added some necessary gravitas to the Sunday festivities when she delivered the Dinah’s defining quote: “Power at its best is love implementing the demands of justice.”
