A&E Agenda: Aspen Gay Ski Week
Kelsey Brunner/The Aspen Times file photo
The 47th Aspen Gay Ski Week is the oldest, annual LGBTQ+ event in the nation and kicks off on Sunday.
Over 3,000+ attendees are expected to descend on Aspen and the Roaring Fork Valley for a week chock full of skiing, screenings, performances, parties, meals, and fundraising for AspenOUT. Even if you don’t have a pass, there are still plenty of opportunities to join in the fun and support our local LGBTQ+ community.
For information and tickets for all events: gayskiweek.com/events
“Tom of Little Finland” screening, Saturday at 7 p.m., Aspen Film ISIS Theatre, 406 E. Hopkins, Aspen, $20
Award-winning filmmaker Dome Karukoski brings to screen the life and work of artist Tom of Finland, one of the most influential and celebrated figures of 20th-century gay culture.
Tom of Finland Foundation (ToFF) is dedicated to protect, preserve, document, and educate the public about erotic art and erotic artists. ToFF shall continue to encourage the work of erotic visual artists regardless of race, creed, religion, gender, sexual identity, medium of expression, or any other censoring criteria.
tomoffinland.org
Drag Bingo Brunch, Sunday, 11 a.m-12:30 p.m., The Little Nell, $150
Celebrate Pride and experience all that The Little Nell has to offer during its AGSW 2024 kick-off brunch with Drag Queen Bingo, hosted by none other than the sassy clown in a gown herself, all the way from San Diego – it’s She, Her, Me, Ms. Mariam T. Doors open at 10:45 a.m. with games starting at around 11:00 a.m.
Enjoy an open bar with brunch featuring Ketel One Espresso Martinis, Don Julio Blanco, Ketel One Bloody Marys, and Bottomless Sparkling and Mimosas.
This beautifully crafted brunch will include morning eats and options of choice cocktails in the Grand Salon at The Little Nell.
Please note: No need to pick up a pass; names will be on the list at the door at The Little Nell Grand Salon.
Celebrate the closing of Wintersköl. Presented by the Aspen Chamber Resort Association (ACRA).
Theatre Aspen Presents: “Seth’s Broadway Concert Series” with Ana Gasteyer, Monday, 8:30 p.m., Hotel Jerome, $125/$175
“Saturday Night Live”‘s and Broadway’s Ana Gasteyer teams up with SiriusXM radio host Seth Rudetsky for a one-night-only special-event concert full of intimate, funny, behind-the-scenes stories mixed with incredible performances. The set list will have Ana recreating show-stopping performances from her incredible singing career where she flew high in Wicked and brought down the house as Fanny Brick in Funny Girl. Seth’s concerts are always one-of-a-kind because they are never fully planned in advance.
Wine Maker dinner experience with La Crema, Tuesday, Jan. 16, 7-9:30 p.m., The Boat Tow, Aspen, $200
An intimate evening of exclusive single vineyard wine tastings featuring La Crema Winery along with a 3-course culinary dinner experience at The Boat Tow. This event will be hosted by David Reuss and Out in the Vineyard owner Gary Saperstein. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to indulge in sumptuous dishes expertly paired with remarkable wines from La Crema Winery.
Saperstein, also producer of the renowned Gay Wine Weekend, will be in duo with David Russ, who will guide us through an unforgettable evening of wine tasting. They will guide us through a 5-course wine pairing journey and enlighten and enrich the dining experience, as they share with us insights into the characteristics and nuances of each wine.
Merrell X AGSW: Wednesday, Jan. 17 from 8 – 11 a.m. and 3 -6 p.m., and Thursday, Jan. 18 from 3-7 p.m., Limelight Hotel
Merrell will be giving out free winter-weather-ready trail styles and post-performance slip-on shoes to Aspen Gay Ski Week (AGSW) attendees while supplies last, in addition to apparel and accessories.
Merrell, an outdoor footwear brand will be giving out pairs of their brand-new Moab Speed 2 GORE-TEX® and winter-ready Agility Peak 5 Zero GORE-TEX® while supplies last.
“Talks Like These,” Thursday, Jan. 18, 5-6:30 p.m, Belly Up Aspen, $20
Join AspenOUT and AGSW as we welcome a lively panel of industry and LGBTQ+ professionals to our first “Talks Like These,” moderated by Dr. William Kapfer.
Panelists Kevin Jennings, CEO, Lambda Legal; Richard Villani, creative director, Tom of Finland Foundation; and Joe Nucci, psychotherapist and influencer, @joenuccitherapy; will guide us through LGBTQ+ history, the importance of intersectionality, and honestly diving into mental health hurdles within the LGBTQ+ community.
Womxn of Gay Ski Week Cocktails & Nibbles, Thursday, Jan. 18, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Ponyboy, W Hotel, Aspen, $70
Join us for a fun party starting at 5:30 on Thursday, Jan. 18, night. We will be serving up a selection of complimentary cocktails and appetizers. This is a great chance to meet with old friends and maybe meet that new special someone.
DJ Autumn Leilani joins us again during this cozy and energetic event for Womxn of AGSW.
While our events are open to all, we have set up some specific women’s activities.
“Frenemies,” comedy show, Thursday, Jan. 18, 8:30 p.m., Wheeler Opera House, Aspen, $100
AspenOUT and AGSW present a night of laughs, tears, and sassy fun starring Brendan Scannell and Mariam T, plus friends.
Brendan is an actor, writer, and comedian most known for his starring role in the Netflix dark comedy series “Bonding,” for which he was nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Actor in a Short Form Comedy or Drama Series.
Mariam T is our sassy clown in a gown who has just finished her one-woman show in San Diego. You’ll laugh and cry at her freshly-minted material brought to you alongside her talented sisters, Naomi Daniels and Ella Mentry.
