Campari's 150th Birthday Party: Pastie-Filled Performances & James Franco Sings (PHOTOS)
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Campari is turning 150, and they celebrated the momentous birthday Sunday night at the Bowery Hotel in a an artistic celebration replete with James Franco singing, pastie-filled performances, and of course specialty cocktails prepared by notable bartenders, all benefiting the United States Bartending Guild.
ArtInfo has further details:
The Art Production Fund, which helped organize the event, promised a performance by artist Kalup Linzy and a surprise guest as the centerpiece of the evening, and they did not disappoint. Soon after the much-in-demand drag paragon went onstage in a skintight gold bodysuit, a tuxedo-clad James Franco -- actor, performance artist, and friend of Marina Abramovic -- appeared by his side to entertain the Campari-swigging crowd with the aid of a live band. These two, who also work on a radio show for Alanna Heiss's Art On Air, are fluid collaborators.
And that wasn't all for the evening -- there was also burlesque, provided by performers Angie Pontani, Miss Tickled, and the World Famous BOB, all watched over by consul general of Italy Francesco Talò.
And Campari's 150th birthday has only just begun:
[Campari's] year-long celebration will include limited-edition bottles with artist designed labels, celebratory cocktails created by some of the most notable mixologists in the United States, sesquicentennial events, and a special visual arts performance commission that continues Campari's bold and longstanding tradition of supporting contemporary art.
Check out the photos from the birthday bash below, all from Patrick McMullan.
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All photos by Patrick McMullan
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First Posted: 05/18/10 03:42 PM ET Updated: 05/25/11 05:30 PM ET