I’m not sure if you’re ready for this issue, Baltimore. This issue is so absolutely mind blowing that I’ve been told that there’s legislation in several municipalities to make What Weekly the new standard for all information dissemination on the interwebs and beyond; this issue is so unbelievably stupendous that after being exposed to its contents seven out of ten people reported spontaneous weight loss, increased sex drive and better breath; the photography in this issue is so stunningly beautiful and the writing so poignant that I fear all of you might drop everything you’re doing to revel in the joy of existence while the whole city comes to a standstill. Well, I guess that’s the chance we have to take.

e went to the shindig to end all shindigs at The Creative Alliance. Moulin Rouge was the theme for the Marquee Ball this year and members of the Creative Alliance did not disappoint; everyone was decked out and the performers were all at the top of their game. This was officially one of best parties we’ve been to all year, and if you’ve been paying attention you know we go to a lot of parties.

In the big picture above Malibu, Ken Vegas, Belladona and Miss Joule. Three of these ladies will be performing at The Creative Alliance for a show called ‘Salute to The Union.’ Which three you ask? Well, you’ll have to go to the show because I can’t remember.

It’s not a party unless someone tries to burn the joint down, that’s what I always say. Hey can I get two fingers of scotch and some impending doom over here? Live music and booze just doesn’t cut it these days, I need the possibility of third degree burns to truly feel alive and enjoy myself during a night on the town.

Miss Joule and friends ensured that no one left the gallery at the Creative Alliance anything less than thoroughly entertained.

Malibu is the first person we’ve ever seen light up an umbrella and spin it expertly on a stage or elsewhere. Kudos for being imaginative and finding new uses for one of the most underrated accessories of all time.

The physical comedy was great; the live sketching top notch but it’s the “setting things on fire” that brings us all together by unearthing the pyromaniac lying dormant within each of us.

Linda Franklin, Tammy Mayer and Selena Schreyer. Linda was so kind as to share with us her pretty blue garter belt. Anymore than that and we would have to post the picture on our sister site whackweekly.com.

It’s not a party without The World Famous Pop Tarts staring down at you from ten feet in the air, that’s what I always say. Nothing beats freakish Amazon women giving you an inferiority complex to help usher in the good times and help create memories that will last forever or until the second scotch kicks in, whichever comes first.

Helen Allen with Margie Kafka who won What Weekly’s prestigious and highly coveted ‘Hey, You Have a Crazy Rainbow Wig and Share a Last Name With One of The Most Influential Authors of The 20th Century Who Never Received Much Praise While He Was Alive But Went On to Influence Such Greats as Burroughs and Murakami’ award. Nicely done.

Performance artist Violet Grey is seen here capturing the soul of an unsuspecting partygoer. If you look closely you can see an innocent young man trapped inside Violet’s crystal ball of solitude. Creepy.

David George, Marguerite Moscati, Joan Murphy and member of the Creative Alliance’s Board of Trustees Wayne Ching.

It’s not a party until Kenny Rogers shows up with a girl on each arm, that’s what I always say. Later Kenny got up on stage and sang some of his greatest hits, and though Dolly Parton couldn’t be there to do ‘Islands in the Stream’ the woman to the left was the prefect candidate to fill those shoes, so to speak.

Molly Gallant, Dan Inglett and Amy Genevieve Kozak.

The center of the main gallery served as the focal point of the evening while artists and performers kept those in attendance transfixed on the stage. Sascha Funk, pictured here, poses for a live drawing by artist Raoul Middleman.

Raoul Middleman is a long time member of the faculty at MICA. Born in Baltimore, Raoul is a contemporary painter whose works have been shown across the country for over thirty years. This evening, Raoul was so kind as to share his talents with us in the main gallery of The Creative Alliance.

In keeping with the theme of the evening, Joe Askin was wearing what any fashionable gentleman in late nineteenth century France might wear: a putting green.

Ocatavio Colin and Alexandra Gonzalez can kiss their ass goodbye… literally. Talk about a compromising position.

And as if the party couldn’t get any better, the Patterson Theater played host to The Swingin’ Swamis who did their due diligence and kept the dance floor moving all night. Pictured here is vocalist Felicia Carter and saxophonist extraordinaire John Dierker.

Want more photos?

Want the full issue?