Bertha Butt Performs at Illusions 1983

Bertha Butt performs at Illusions for the “11/16/83 Benefit for Atlanta Gay Center”.

This newly re-edited video was cut from the original tape footage from the three cameras recording during the live performance.

Event Background

On November 16, 1983 a benefit was held for the Atlanta Gay Center. AIDS was beginning to take a toll on the gay community and many prominent gay personalities, entertainers, and patrons came together to raise as much money as possible to help the center with their new mission. The Atlanta Gay Center offered free AIDS testing, information, and support groups.

Below are the full show credits from the original edited master tape.

Special Guest Star Emcees

• Angela Bowie
• Mark McCutchan

Entertainers

• Erika Adams
• Yetteva Antionette
• Chena Black
• Chuck Blair
• Charlie Brown
• Bertha Butt
• R.C. Cola
• Micky Day
• Tony Desario
• Dora DeVille
• Tina Coquina Devore
• Chett Lee
• Lena Lust
• Amber Richards
• Dean Turner
• Rachel Wells
• Lily White

Technical Staff

• Music – Kathy White
• Lighting – Jay Diamond
• VCR Audio – Thomas Billingham
• Technical Director – Mark Rivers
• Camera Operators – Doug DaLois, David Menegin, and Mark Rivers
• Graphic Titles – James Heverly and Cruise Magazine
• Editor – Mark Rivers

Special Thanks

• Ray Ferris
• Ted Binkley
• John Austin
• James Lovell

The AGC Story

The Atlanta Gay Center was a community center that served the gay community in Atlanta, Georgia. Founded in 1976, the center was one of the oldest gay community centers in the United States. It has since closed and been replaced by the Atlanta Gay and Lesbian Community Center.

When the center closed, all of their operating files, news release files, and all other related historical documentation were given to the Atlanta History Center on West Paces Ferry Road and is available for research purposes.