You've heard of Dueling Bankheads? How about Dueling Wainwrights?
On Tuesday, Grammy nominee Rufus Wainwright appeared at the Empire State Building by day and the Stonewall Inn by night to deliver his trademark passionate rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”:
The first go-round, he was accompanied by Lorna Luft (only her third-ever public performance of her mom Judy Garland's signature tune) and Broadway Inspirational Voices.
At Stonewall, he flew solo, though Lorna was on hand to cheer him on and offer a hearty hug afterward:
The Empire State Building event began with Lorna, Rufus and Stonewall Gives Back Initiative co-founders Kurt Kelly and Stacy Lentz throwing a ceremonial switch and lighting up the iconic building in rainbow colors for Garland's 100th and, of course, for Pride.
After singing, Lorna and Rufus toured the structure, and even though she's terrified of heights, Lorna gamely went all the way to the 102nd floor, posing for photos. A special, limited-edition version of the new fragrance Judy will be sold June 10-12 at the Observatory.
At the Stonewall, a party that attracted Randy Rainbow, Don Lemon, original Ikette Joshie Jo Armstead and more, Lorna became emotional talking about her mom's legendary kindness and devotion to "inclusivity." She then, with Kelly, unveiled a framed portrait of Garland that will adorn the walls of the birthplace of the modern gay-rights movement.
Check out all the videos, and don't forget to wish Judy Garland a happy 100th ... over the rainbow!
