We Speak Events
Irene Michaels To Perform As A Special Guest During The Tony Ocean Dance Party At The Taylor Street Festival Friday, August 9th, 2024 8:30 PM
Josie Music Award winner Irene Michaels will be performing as a special guest for the Tony Ocean Dance Party on Friday, August 9th, 2024 at 8:30 PM.
Irene Michaels, a timeless Chicago icon, has captivated audiences for decades with her diverse talents and positive energy. She defies ageism in the entertainment industry with grace, hard work, persistence, and natural talent, continuing to inspire at all ages.
Born in Chicago, Irene’s passion for entertainment began early, leading her to success as a singer, dancer, and model. At 21, she won “Miss Photo Flash,” launching a modeling career and a successful modeling agency.
A champion equestrian since childhood, Irene still rides and competes. She also made her mark in Hollywood, appearing in General Hospital and movies like Home Alone 2 and Killer Klowns From Outer Space.
Irene transitioned into an author and lifestyle blogger with her “ionthescene” brand, exploring beauty, luxury, and entertainment. She created her own beauty line and wrote “I On Beauty,” inspiring many, especially women over 50.
In her late 70s, Irene became a House Music Diva with the hit song “I Like Rain,” which won “Best Pop Song of the Year” at the Josie Music Awards. She signed record deals with TRAX Records and Tribeca Records, earning Grammy nomination consideration and other accolades.
Irene’s live one-woman shows in Chicago and New York sell out. She shares her life stories and inspires audiences. Her social life is vibrant and filled with high society and celebrity events. Reflecting on her journey, Irene invites us all to pursue our passions and let inspiration guide us, just as she has throughout her remarkable life.
In 1992 Maurizio was discovered when he won the runner up prize on the popular TV show Star Search and began his professional career. It was then that he decided to change his singing style from Rock to Pop and his name to TONY OCEAN (from Frank Sinatra’s portrayal of Danny Ocean in the movie Ocean’s 11). His career took a change when he did a Dean Martin impersonation at one of his shows. The owner was so impressed that he paired him with two other artists who impersonated Frank and Sammy Davis, Jr. and a show called ‘The Pack Is Back’ was born. They appeared to sellout crowds for eight months and earned the respect of critics and music lovers while performing at Piper’s Alley, a well-known Chicago nightclub.
Tony Ocean’s upbeat style embodies a time from the past that will be popular as long as we still enjoy the music of Sinatra, Martin, Davis, Darin, Tony Bennett, Tom Jones and others whose romantic songs and lyrics have affected so many of our lives through the years.
Watch Irene Michaels Perform at the Tony Ocean Dance Party at the Taylor Street Festival on Friday, August 9th, 2024. There is a $10 suggested donation.
The official website for the Taylor Street Festival may be found at https://oshows.com/festivals/
The official website for Irene Michaels may be found at https://www.irenemichaels.com
Acclaimed performer, advocate, television host, and community leader Wendy Stuart, also known to many as Wendy Darling, was honored with the Activism Award at the 2026 Catskills Pride Awards Night held at The Eldred Preserve in New York.
The event celebrated individuals whose work has made a lasting impact on the LGBTQ+ community through advocacy, leadership, artistic achievement, and public service. Among a distinguished group of honorees, Stuart was recognized for decades of unwavering commitment to visibility, inclusion, and support for LGBTQ+ causes.
For many in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, Wendy Stuart has long been a familiar and respected voice in the LGBTQ+ community. Her activism dates back decades, including participation in the historic New York City Pride March and service as an original board member of Triversity, The Pride Center serving communities throughout the tri-state region.
Beyond her advocacy work, Stuart has used her talents in entertainment and media to amplify LGBTQ+ voices. As host of Triversity Talk and co-host of If These Walls Could Talk, she has provided a platform for activists, artists, community leaders, and changemakers whose stories might otherwise go unheard.
During the awards ceremony, attendees celebrated Stuart’s remarkable ability to combine entertainment with purpose. Her efforts as a member of the Imperial Court of New York have also helped raise awareness and funding for countless LGBTQ+ organizations and initiatives over the years.
Standing before an audience of supporters, fellow honorees, and community leaders, Stuart accepted the recognition with the same passion that has defined her career. The honor reflects not only her decades of activism but also her continuing commitment to education, advocacy, and community engagement.
The Activism Award serves as a fitting tribute to a woman whose influence extends far beyond the stage and television screen. Through her work as a performer, advocate, and media personality, Wendy Stuart has consistently demonstrated that visibility matters and that one voice can inspire meaningful change.
Her personal mission remains as powerful today as it has throughout her career:
“I advocate, I educate, I entertain. I’m blessed to do so.”
As Catskills Pride recognized its 2026 honorees, Wendy Stuart’s award stood as a celebration of a lifetime devoted to uplifting others, strengthening communities, and ensuring that LGBTQ+ voices continue to be heard, respected, and celebrated.
Other honorees at the event included actress Melissa Gilbert, community leader Paula Campbell, artists Barry Becker and Tony Coscia, and artistic achievement recipient Nonna Hall, making the evening a memorable celebration of leadership, service, and pride throughout the region.
Watch Wendy Stuart’s speech at the Catskills Pride Awards on Youtube here:
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