NEW YORK — The annual kick-off gala for CineKink NYC is set for May 23 at the M1-5 Lounge.
The event was scheduled from its original March date after a blizzard shut down the city. In addition to burlesque performances, the festival's gala will feature "sexy sensation" stations for kink sampling, a raffle of sex goodies and CineKink film shorts.
The organizers state that they are looking at the kick-off as a launch to a fundraising campaign that will help them recover from this season's weather-related losses, and put the festival in a strong position for its 15th anniversary appearance next spring.
"We're excited at the chance to toast what we've accomplished over the past decade-and-a-half," said Lisa Vandever, CineKink co-founder and director. "And, with the help of the CineKink community, we look forward to really building on that in the year ahead."
Entertainer and activist Witti Repartee will serve as Mistress of Ceremonies for the gala, with performers Clara Coquette, Mary Cyn and Anja Keister scheduled to appear.
The "sensation stations" will allow revelers to sample a range of kinky activities, with experts including Lolita Wolf (rope bondage), Veronica Vera (feminization and transformation), N1 (spanking and impact play) and Infinity Rising with Martyn Fire (electrical play).
The event will start at 8 p.m. and end at midnight. Suggested admission is $20 door/$15 advance and is 21+. The M1-5 Lounge is located at 52 Walker St., bet. Church & Broadway, New York City. For more information, visit CineKink.com.