"Until the 12th of never, I'll still be loving you." The songs that once played on the Jukebox at the UpStairs Lounge hold memories made by the eclectic humans who sought refuge at this safe haven for the gay community in 1970's New Orleans. In 1973, an arsonist set fire to the lounge, claiming the lives of 32 patrons while injuring many others, becoming the largest mass murder of gay people in 20th century America. Though they were largely forgotten by the public and city officials in the tragedy's aftermath due to ignorance and hate, we choose to remember them, as the beautifully gay people they were. Mélange Dance Company is honored to present The UpStairs Lounge at The Marigny Opera House to commemorate the 51st anniversary of the arson and uplift the stories of the patrons who gave UpStairs life and a legacy that lives on, featuring live music for the first time!

Music performed and arranged by: The Orrchestra

Ian Orr (vocals/bass/musical director) Nick Hatcher (keyboard/sound design), Michael Donahoe (guitar, vocals), Nicholas Yetter (piano), Tanner Guss (drums/percussion, Sarah Mahoney (vocals) & Rayshaughn Armant (vocals).