WHITE PARTY 2015
One of the highlights each year is seeing which big name celebs will ap- pear, either to perform or just hang out. Grammy Award-winning crossover singer LeAnn Rimes will be making her White Party debut on Sunday, April 26 as headliner of the Circus T-Dance, held directly across from the Palm Springs Convention Center. (See our exclusive interview with Rimes on page 34). Addi- tionally, Big Brother and Rock of Ages star Frankie Grande will be on hand as this year’s White Party Ambassador and Kelly Osbourne, late of Fashion Police, has been proclaimed the2015 Queen of White Party. “To be crowned Queen of the White
Party, in a room full of queens, is a dream come true,” states Her Majesty the Queen, Kelly Osbourne. “I’ve been blessed my entire life, to be surrounded by members of the LGBT family who support me as I support them. I am beyond thrilled and honored... Now let’s dance!” Of course, the biggest stars at White Par-
ty Palm Springs each year are its founder, Jeffrey Sanker and the thousands of hot men who congregate from around the
world.The Rage Monthly was fortunate to nab an interview with Sanker in advance of this month’s celebration.
Congratulations on the massive success of the White Party over the years! What is the most personally satisfying aspect of the event’s popularity for you? Thank you! I always want everyone to have such a
good time that they can’t wait to come back again next year. I love it when I see guys leaving White Party saying, “Wow!” Also, I get a lot of satisfaction and re- ally feel very honored, when I see guys who come back for White Party again and again. When and how did you originally envision the White Party? Did you encounter any particular obstacles or challenges initially? If so, how did you overcome them? The event originally started 26 years ago as a week- end getaway event for a lot of my L.A. friends. I’d seen
you can look up in amazement and enjoy the spec- tacle overhead. What is new or unique about the White Party this year that previous attendees can look forward to? Any big surprises in store? If I told you now, it wouldn’t be a surprise! Actu-
ally, we do have a new addition to the lineup this year, which is the Saturday daytime party at Wet ’n’ Wild Water Park. We will have the entire facility to ourselves, including all the slides and attractions, as well as cabanas with front-row views of all the action. I’m bringing in lots of extras, like a full sound system and live DJs spinning all day long. We will have cocktails and other alcoholic beverages available at bars located throughout the park. You can also ride the free shuttle that runs all day round-trip from the Renaissance Hotel to the water park.
jeffrey sanker
similar types of events the lesbians were doing in Palm Springs and said, “Why not do this for the boys?” For the first few years, it was very intimate. We only took up part of a hotel and a very small pool area. I actually lost money the first few years. The big challenges, initially, were growing pains.
Palm Springs was much smaller back then and much more conservative. I spent a lot of time trying to find the right types of venues, as well as hotels that were willing to let us do parties. For a while, conservative city officials tried to halt White Party, just as they did during the eighties with Palm Springs’ notorious “Spring Break” festivities for college kids. It took a lot of work to build the strong relationship we have now with City Hall and the Palm Springs community in general. How do you secure such major talents to perform at the party each year? Do you have a personal favorite performance or two from past years? I try and stay abreast of who’s hot and who I think is
about to be hot. Sometimes, the talent will approach us about performing. A couple of favorite moments were the times when Jennifer Lopez was the surprise headliner and when Lady Gaga headlined (just one year after she performed as the third act at the Sun- day Pool Party). Both did it to show their appreciation for their gay fans. Do you get to celebrate during the weekend or is it pretty much all work for you until its over? It’s a lot of work and I am so busy working the en-
tire time. I have a large staff helping me, but there’s no getting around the amount of effort involved. I always enjoy the choreographed fireworks finale at Sunday’s T-Dance. It’s the one point in the weekend where everything stops for just a few minutes and
APRIL 2015 | RAGE monthly 31
Sounds great! The Rage Monthly readers can’t wait for White Party 2015!
frankie grande
kelly osbourne
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