Auckland’s gay club Family Bar turns ten this year, and will celebrate with a “birthday celebration extravaganza” next month. The Family crew say 10 years is a great milestone for any bar, in any environment, but for our community it's worth celebrating. “In the early part of 10 years it was about helping fight for our rights and as much as we have celebrated we have had tears for the friends we have lost,” says owner and founder Wayne Clarke. “So many in our community that have made the road easier for the younger community and pushed for our rights - these voices have made a difference in the lives of others.” The late Carmen Rupe, along with Phylesha Brown-Acton, Tim Barnett, Helen Clark, Jacquie Grant, Louisa Wall, Charles Chauvel and Georgina Beyer are just some of those he is paying tribute to as the bar turns 10. The Family team say scene regulars have added to the flavour of Family over the years, and people like Aunty Frances, Bim Wilkinson, Neil Howland (Wilma Balls Drop) and James Laverty (Chocks) have gone the extra mile of all the events and party's over the years. “Other entertainers have wooed audiences at Family, such as Cindy of Samoa hosting our first karaoke nights, then Charlie and Paul. “No Gay Bar venue is a party until you have a drag show and we have had so many grace the stage. Names like Buckwheat, Venus, Miss Zoe Devine, Miss Kola Gin, Victoria secret, Chanel D'Vinci, Fonda Boys, Arabin Le Veil, chi chi La Qua, Miss Tiffany Rose, finale girls, caluzzi girls, south side, Nancy's boys, Dazstar, Daphne Bush, Mika and the divine Polly Petrie from Stonewall Sydney and so many more local and international stars.” Of course the face and the voice of family is Miss Ribena, who the team say for 10 years has stood on stage and put her heart and soul into her work. “Miss Ribena has been the perfect fit, each weekend Ribena has been sure to tell our community how to play it safe use a condom or promoting campaigns for New Zealand AIDS Foundation, Body Positive, the Cartier Trust, Positive Women and other events within our community which is important to any business. The Divine Miss K was always sure to grab the mic and helping out hosting with events over the years our adding colour to the venue.” All are invited to join Family on 23 August from 6pm at a birthday function which will be hosted by Deb Stanaway and Mary Haddock-Staniland. “We promise this is going to be a party like no other and all the stops have been pull out to make this a night to remember with shows from 7.30pm by Miss Kola Gin, Chi Chi, Victoria Secret, Arabia Le Veil, Tiffany Rose and, also a 10 year explosion at 9pm that you will not want to miss and shows by the amazing Polly Petrie and Miss K.”
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Monday, 27th July 2015 - 11:12am