What's Up

       Lynn Lavner just did a benefit concert for St. HOPE at The Canton Players Guild on August 23rd. In case you don't know, St. HOPE takes care of people with AIDS who could not take care of themselves. They are also one of the very few places of their kind in this country that do not receive federal funding and rely totally on volunteers, donations and fund raisers.

       To be honest with you, I didn't know who Lynn Lavner was. Now that I've seen her, I guess I'd have to describe her as a lesbian piano satirist. That doesn't sound very exciting and It doesn't do justice at all in describing her wonderful performance that night.

       Shortly after her introduction to the stage, a very butch, short haired "dudette" strolled out in a silver studded leather harness, red T shirt, black leather pants and boots. She sat down at the grand piano and immediately started playing. The first thing I notice was that with the gear she was in and the way she was pumping the piano peddles, she looked as much like she was cruising down the road on a Harley, and obviously enjoying it very much.

       She's a fantastic piano player. She can bang out some really complicated, rich textured stuff with super tricky timing between her two hands, and still sing her lyrics on top of that.

       Her wit is impeccable and her charm, charisma, and obvious love of what she's doing exude throughout her performance.

       She paused between songs and talked with the audience, telling funny stories full of puns and good humor. Each time she set up for her next dynamic attack at the keys and into song. She sings very clearly and you could understand every word, which was a good thing because her lyrics are hilarious (when she wants them to be).

       She covered a wide range of topics that everyone there could relate to and every story she told was full of gay pride and a great appreciation for life itself. She's a very smart lady and a very eloquent speaker.

       A few times she got a little somber and related to us about people who have suffered at the hands of bigots or about the friends she has lost to AIDS. One piece that she played was particularly moving and everyone was noticeably touched; "I Pinch Myself And Realize They're Gone." The applause for that number was long, loud and well deserved.

       Even though she was the shining star of the evening, she thanked St. HOPE several times for allowing her to come to Canton to help raise money for such a great and worthwhile organization.