The Free Speech Coalition has outpaced the entire adult industry in terms of mainstreaming, landing an Oscar-winning actress and two state legislators as honorary co-chairpersons of the 17th annual Night of the Stars.
Susan Sarandon, an actress known almost as much for her liberal political leanings as she is for her acting ability, will join California Assemblyman Paul Koretz and California State Senator John Vasconcellos, as the honorary co-chairpersons for the Night of the Stars, an annual event that honors those who have advanced the cause of free speech.
None of the co-chairs are expected to actually attend the event, but by permitting the use of their name with the event, they are effectively endorsing the organization’s cause. This is the first time the FSC has been able to land such notable co-chairs for the event.
“We sent letters to people we thought might be interested in showing support for our cause. We sent a letter to Susan’s agent, and I was surprised how fast she got back to us with a yes,” said Kat Sunlove, executive director of the Free Speech Coalition. “With Koretz, we spoke to his office and they checked with him and told us the assemblyman would consider it an honor.”
Assemblyman Koretz (D-West Hollywood) recently held a public hearing on health and safety standards in the adult industry.
This year’s event breaks other ground as well, honoring a mainstream celebrity with the first ever Celebrity Freedom Fighter award. Luther “Uncle Luke” Campbell, one of the founders of 2 Live Crew, will be the first recipient of the award for his role in the rap group that faced obscenity charges for their lyrics.
Campbell is now involved in adult entertainment to some extent, serving as the host for an adult project that will be released by Exquisite Multimedia later this year.
ClubJenna namesake Jenna Jameson, one of the few adult performers to have ever achieved significant mainstream recognition, will be honored at the event for her contributions to the industry. In the course of a career that has lasted a little more than a decade, Jameson has become the de facto face of adult, representing the industry on various news shows and even a debate at Oxford University.
Also in the “winner’s circle” is Steve Orenstein, founder of Wicked Pictures, whose uncompromising vision helped vault Jameson to superstardom, and whose couples-friendly productions have garnered dozens of awards. “I don’t doubt that anyone would disagree that Steve Orenstein is one of the good guys in the industry,” Sunlove said. “His condom-only policy alone cements that, but he’s always been helpful to our cause and contributed greatly to the organization over the years.
From the Internet side of the industry, the FSC this year honors Gary Kremin, who successfully sued Network Solutions for failing to investigate the fraudulent documents that turned Kremin’s domain, sex.com, over to a third party.
As they do every year at the Night of the Stars, the FSC will also honor some “classic” stars for their part in paving the way for those who work in the industry today, including AVN Hall of Famer Christy Canyon, who recently penned her autobiography; actor Jesse Adams, an early adult performer with many films to his credit; and Carter Stevens, perhaps best remembered for directing VCA’s Roller Babies, but with dozens of acting and directing roles on his résumé.
From the gay side of the industry come awards for GayVN Hall of Famer Chip Daniels, a 12-year acting veteran and co-founder of Centaur Films, and Chi-Chi LaRue, arguably the best-known director of gay videos with hundreds under his belt, who also directs straight material as well.
Consistent with this year’s theme of a fantasy ball, entertainment will be provided by the Guild of St. Augustine, a troupe of street entertainers and wandering musicians who’ll recreate a Renaissance street scene for guests – including photo ops with Queen Elizabeth I and other nobility of the era, who’ll do double duty by escorting the award winners to the stage. Music for dancing will be provided by Nightwatch, a Renaissance style band.
The Night of the Stars will take place on Saturday, July 24, at the Sheraton Universal Hotel in Universal City. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Please note that event sponsorship opportunities are still available, for more information contact Cherie Lee Wilson at (310) 215-9792 or by e-mail at [email protected]
Items are also still being sought for our live and silent auctions. Those with items to donate should contact auction chair Mara Epstein at 888-599-7100.
