The New Embassy Theatre will join in the Downtown Cumberland celebration of New Year’s Eve this year with a fundraiser entitled Winter’s Eve: Getting Fresh for the New Year.

Winter’s Eve will open at 6:00 p.m. this Saturday, December 3, with a legendary cocktail hour at the Passport Café followed by a 7:00 p.m. showing of the award winning documentary film “Paris is Burning.”  Directed by Jennie Livingston, filmed in the mid-to-late 1980s and released in August of 1991, it chronicles the ball culture of New York City and the African American, Latino, gay and transgender communities involved in it. Many members of the ball culture community consider “Paris Is Burning” to be an invaluable documentary of the end of the "Golden Age" of New York City drag balls, as well as a thoughtful exploration of race, class, and gender in America. This subculture created the Vogue dance style well before Madonna and was a major influence on America’s gay culture. Made up of runaway youth and sexually discriminated individuals, the ball culture of New York was divided into houses or families that competed in and out of clubs throughout the city. It drew the attention of mainstream Americaback in the late 80’s and 90’s when they were featured on such shows as Ricky Lake and Phil Donahue. “Paris Is Burning” is a must see for anyone wanting to explore the changes in freedom that have occurred in the past two decade.

Says Dave Love, Cabaret Manager of the New Embassy Theatre, “I was living in New York City back in the early 90’s and found myself one day being taken to a garage apartment located in Queens to a meeting of the house of Infinity. My good friend, Mike Mangarella, had attained the status of a legendary member and wanted me to meet his family. These young people helped me through a difficult time to find my voice and I am very proud to share “Paris Is Burning” with the Western Maryland community as it serves to educate us all on this subculture and how it has influenced the fashion and music industries over the last two decades. The characters of “Paris Is Burning” only ever wanted to find their place in this world and director Jennie Livingston gave them that and so much more.”

Winter’s Eve will continue after the film by transforming the theatre into a 1990’s New York City Club, CLUB 49, hosted by the Queen of Queen City, Miss Shirley Goodness N Mercy, and the Ladies of the Lavender Lounge. Between performances, DJ Hard Case will spin disco, trance, and house for your dancing pleasure. At midnight, the Lavender Dollies will entertain the crowd as the Downtown Cumberland Ball Drop is shown on the big screen. Dancing and celebration will continue until 2 am with cocktails and refreshments available throughout the event. Guests are asked to dress with an attitude and prizes will be given for various awards. Advanced tickets are suggested and are available at the Allegany County Arts Council or by calling the theatre at 301-722-4692. Tickets are $9 in advance and $10 the day of the performance. The New Embassy Theatre is located at 49 Baltimore St. on the Downtown Mall in Cumberland, Maryland.