Black Party Expo Opening Night: Billie Ray Martin

In the midst of the Saint at Large's maelstrom of Black Party Expo activities (see Gay & Lesbian), there's a calm yet emotion-laden voice. It belongs to the seminal house-music vocalist Billie Ray Martin. Both with Electribe 101 and as a solo artist, she sang such enduring tunes as "Talking with Myself," "Tell Me When the Fever Ended" and "Your Loving Arms" during those halcyon clubland days of the late ’80s through the mid-’90s. Yes, you'll also be treated to the Hookies (an awards ceremony for escorts) and a fetish fashion show—but really, Ms. Martin is the star of this event.