Out with Dr. Bill — Bidding Farewell to 2024 with High Style
As the year winded down, the holiday season revealed its own kind of magic—a blend of festive gatherings, cherished traditions, and moments that remind us of the beauty of connection and community. From New York to Tucson and everywhere in between, this column is a journey through the highlights of the final weeks of December. While I couldn't cover everything I experienced, each of these moments captures the spirit of the season in its own unique way.
Let's dive into the laughter, the glamour, and the heartfelt celebrations that made this holiday season unforgettable.
Honoring Judith Kasen-Windsor with Pure Gold
December was a whirlwind of activities, starting with "Comedy Gold!" I want to give a huge shoutout to my dear friend, Judith Kasen-Windsor, the widow of the legendary Edie Windsor, who was recently honored at this incredible event by Wider Bridge (AWB). Dedicated to strengthening ties between the LGBTQ and Jewish communities, AWB works to promote equality, inclusion, and support for LGBTQ individuals in Israel and beyond.
Billed as a night of laughter and community, the event celebrated Judith's inspiring work as an LGBTQ Jewish activist—and what a night it was! With the hysterical Judy Gold bringing the house down, the evening truly lived up to its name. Pure gold all around!
NYC Holiday Splendor: Friends, Fire Island Spirit, and Festive Fun
This year's holiday celebration in NYC was nothing short of spectacular! Our annual Friends of Beachcomber holiday gathering, inspired by our beloved Fire Island Pines retreat and the incredible people who've shaped our beach life, has evolved into something even more meaningful. It's become a cherished tradition—a reunion of friends and loved ones that blends the best of our worlds.
The evening was undeniably special, thanks in part to the incomparable Brandon Fay of The Perry Club. From his days at Trattoria Del Arte to his memorable stint on ABC's "Shark Tank," and his celebrated Sunday morning cooking series on CBS New York, "Cooking with Brandon," Brandon has long been a beloved figure in New York's culinary scene. Now, as the creative force behind Pasta by Hudson and The Perry Club, he brought his exceptional culinary expertise, magnetic charisma, and passion for New York's vibrant food culture straight into our home.
Brandon delighted us with an unforgettable spread, including chicken and meatball sliders, prosciutto caprese skewers, and my personal favorite—the rigatoni vodka "Pasta Shooters" served in charming bamboo boats. His presence and culinary creations added a vibrant flavor to the evening, making it truly unforgettable.
Not surprisingly, Brandon exceeded all expectations and went above and beyond. He arrived with a mobile warming oven to keep every dish perfectly hot and fresh, personally refilling pasta boats and ensuring the warm sliders just kept coming. His hands-on approach and infectious energy truly elevated the evening—a Christmas gift in itself.
Adding to the magic were the dashing bartenders from Premier Party Inc and Modelbartenders, founded by Marc Levine. Their professionalism and charm added a polished touch to the festivities, perfectly complementing the lively atmosphere.
Of course, dressing the part always adds to the fun. This year, I felt especially festive in my Robert Graham Kabuki Beaded Sport Shirt. Wearing red during the holidays always puts me in the Christmas spirit—it's as if the color itself announces that the season has officially arrived.
We also savored exquisite wines from La Crema, a brand I hold dear for its steadfast support of the LGBTQ+ community through AspenOUT, a Colorado nonprofit promoting tolerance and diversity. Paired with BuDhaGirl Sparkling Wines, which premiered at last year's Art Basel, the evening carried forward a tradition of luxury and mindfulness.
The true highlight of the night was the people. Our apartment was filled with an extraordinary and diverse mix of friends—Broadway actors, designers, musicians, artists, and creatives from TV, film, and publishing. Among them were New York Observer's Rex Reed, RuPaul's Drag Race Persian princess Jackie Cox, and The Boy Band Project's Jesse Corbin and Chris Messina. Jesse shared exciting updates about his new show, "LEMONADE: A New Musical"—it's sure to be a hit! Alex Ringler also joined us, fresh from his U.S. national tour of "Mrs. Doubtfire" and now hard at work on his new comedy series "Seeking...."
We were also honored to welcome City Councilman Erik Bottcher of Chelsea's District 3 and New York Assemblyman Tony Simone from the 75th District. Even etiquette expert Thomas P. Farley, "Mister Manners" himself, stopped by—always my go-to when it comes to ensuring our guests feel like they "went to a marvelous party," a playful nod to Noël Coward for the older gays reading this.
Together, this vibrant group created a lively tapestry of stories and connections that brought the evening to life. It felt like a modern-day salon, buzzing with conversations about New York City's arts, culture, and community—a night to remember!
The kindness, respect, and joy shared by everyone made the night unforgettable, capturing the very essence of the city we love so much.
Daniel Reichard's Holiday Magic: A Night of Nostalgia and Cheer
Original "Jersey Boys" star Daniel Reichard, who originated the role of Bob Gaudio on Broadway, lit up The Cutting Room with his 16th holiday concert, "Ready for Christmas." The one-night-only performance took me on a nostalgic journey through highlights from his beloved holiday shows, proving once again his ability to captivate a devoted and enthusiastic audience.
The evening felt like a Fire Island reunion. Thanks to our friend Rob Shmalo, we had prime seats close to the stage, surrounded by familiar faces from summers in the Pines. No Speedos this time, but plenty of holiday cheer!
Many in the audience, some of whom had attended his very first Christmas show 15 years ago, were also at his sold-out summer performance at The Ice Palace, where Daniel debuted original Fire Island campfire songs alongside fresh takes on Madonna, Lady Gaga, Rodgers and Hammerstein, and more.
Daniel isn't just a singer; he's a masterful storyteller, weaving personal anecdotes with holiday classics—both sacred and quirky. His warmth and humor shone through as he quipped, "The holiday season is like tax season—it's going to happen whether you like it or not, so you might as well be ready and have some fun."
With his heartfelt performances and vibrant connection to his fans, Daniel has created a holiday tradition that's worth celebrating year after year.
The band, too, was absolutely fabulous, led by Jesse Vargas, Daniel's long-time collaborator, who orchestrated and arranged his holiday EP, "Under the Mistletoe." Jesse served as musical director and conductor, ensuring every note was as vibrant and polished as Daniel's glittering charm.
This show wasn't just a holiday performance; it was a powerful reminder of why Daniel Reichard remains a cherished figure in New York's arts scene—and why his fans, myself included, will keep coming back for more.
A Festive Start to Christmas Eve: Martini Magic at Felice 83
We kicked off Christmas Eve with our bestie, Rick Bingham, by arranging to meet him for a festive pre-party martini uptown before sharing a car ride to the Tisdale-Woods dinner. Our meeting spot was Felice 83, a cozy gem nestled at 83rd Street and 1st Avenue.
At the bar, I ordered a dry Belvedere martini with olives, and with the first sip, the evening felt officially underway. It was my first time at Felice 83, and I was immediately captivated by its warm, European charm—rich wooden interiors, inviting low ceilings, and the lively hum of locals enjoying great food and wine.
The staff's attentiveness and the authentic atmosphere made it feel like a hidden treasure, the perfect prelude to a memorable Christmas Eve dinner. Sometimes, a simple martini in the right setting truly sets the tone for a magical evening.
Black-Tie Magic: A Christmas Soirée of Timeless Elegance
Christmas Eve felt truly magical this year, thanks to our gracious hosts, David and Gary Tisdale-Woods, who welcomed us into their stunning Harlem apartment for an elegant black-tie soirée that transported us to another world. Their home, adorned with exquisite furniture, thoughtfully curated artwork, and glittering holiday décor, was nothing short of breathtaking.
Gary and David's impeccable attention to detail set the tone for a flawless evening. From the warm hospitality of the guests to the delectable food, every element was perfection. Gary's famous homemade Cheese Straw Cookies stole the show—crispy, flavorful, and utterly addictive. The rest of the menu followed suit, featuring indulgent treats that matched the grandeur of the setting.
The guest list was equally impressive, seamlessly blending longtime friends with new acquaintances from Saint Thomas Church Fifth Avenue. Everyone brought their holiday best, an aspect I cherished as someone passionate about festive attire. The elegant and joyful atmosphere was elevated by the beautifully dressed friends mingling and celebrating together. Few events capture the holiday spirit so completely, and this attention to sartorial flair added a special charm to an already extraordinary night.
David and Gary orchestrated an unforgettable celebration that set the tone for the holiday season, leaving me deeply grateful for the beauty of friendship, the joy of dressing up, and the magic of Christmas shared with loved ones.
Impromptu Holiday Harmonies at the Townhouse
There's no better way to end an Upper East Side evening than with a stop at the Townhouse on East 58th. The Townhouse is where New York's gay gentlemen gather for a martini and a melody—a charming haven where Rick and I often joke about the days when we basked in the glow of free drinks as the "young ones" and now find ourselves graciously picking up the tab as we embrace our mid-century fabulousness.
The highlight of the evening was running into our talented young friends, Seth Sikes, a celebrated cabaret performer known for his dynamic renditions of classic songs, and Nicolas King, a multi-award-winning vocalist and Broadway veteran with a remarkable career that began in childhood.
We persuaded them to join the piano player for an impromptu performance, and they chose one of my favorites: "I Can't Give You Anything but Love, Baby," an American popular song and jazz standard by Jimmy McHugh (music) and Dorothy Fields (lyrics). It was pure magic—and gave a taste of what was to come at their New Year's Eve show at 54 Below, which featured legendary Billy Stritch on piano. The show, "Seth Sikes and Nicolas King: A New Belters Swingin' New Year" turned out to be a sold-out celebration that sent the audience into 2025 singing and swinging. I can think of no better way to bid farewell to 2024 than with these two stars and their inimitable blend of wit, charm, and extraordinary talent.
Though I was disappointed that we couldn't toss confetti at midnight with our two friends, their impromptu performance that evening was a perfect holiday gift—one I'll always cherish.
East Side Elegance: A Christmas Brunch Fit for the Holidays
Christmas morning was a true delight as we joined Doug and Chris for their annual brunch at their beautifully decorated East Side home. Their tree, worthy of Town & Country, was adorned with exquisite ornaments collected over decades together—a true holiday masterpiece.
The pair outdid themselves, not just with the stunning décor but also by hiring a lovely staff to support the party. No one's glass went half full, thanks to their attentive team! And the food? Absolutely scrumptious—between the perfectly cooked ham and the mouthwatering lasagna, every bite was a treat.
As always, we brought our luggage along, heading straight from the gathering to the airport for our family Christmas in Tucson. Since we always carry Christmas gifts, our six pieces of luggage were split between outside the front door and the back bedroom. With amazing décor, delicious food, and great friends, it was the perfect start to Christmas Day!
From the City Lights to Desert Nights: A Celebration of Community and Joy
Hosting 120+ guests for a holiday party in our New York apartment, followed just a week later by a more intimate gathering of 75+ at our Tucson desert home, might sound ambitious—but that's the magic of the holiday season: love, giving back, and bringing together friends, family, and community.
This year's Tucson party was made even more special by the delicious culinary offerings, thanks to my sister Sheila and her husband Chris. Their expert catering skills—a side hustle to their day jobs at our local Presbyterian church—were a true blessing.
Just days after our gathering, they fed 350 members of their congregation, showcasing their incredible generosity and shared commitment to serving others. We truly all sing from the same hymnal when it comes to giving back to the communities we call home.
Seeing my family and Eric's family mingling with our cherished friends and neighbors was deeply heartwarming. We were fortunate to have so many special guests join us, including our favorite Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, jazz royalty Ann Hampton Callaway and her wife Kari, Bryan Ewing ("Mr. Bing" of Mister Bing's Show Club), and many more.
A special shoutout to my sister-in-law Lisa Baker for pulling out her pink, bedazzled Mr. Microphone and convincing Ann to sing a line from "Auld Lang Syne"—what an unforgettable treat!
Having everyone together was truly the highlight of the season and a poignant reminder of the joy and connection the holidays bring.
Ringing in 2025: A Vision of Empathy and Brighter Days
My next column will pick up where this one leaves off—ringing in the New Year in the heart of New York City. It was a night of hope, reflection, and a heartfelt toast to 2025—a year we envision filled with brighter days, deeper connections, and a collective commitment to understanding one another.
As we step into this new chapter, my wish for everyone is to look through the lenses of others, walk in their shoes, and embrace a world where empathy and compassion guide us toward a better tomorrow. Stay tuned for the magic and meaning behind our 2025 celebration.