Despite the rainy weather, many of you are keeping the social scene vibrant with exciting artistic events, private dinner parties, and important fundraisers, most recently to support relief efforts in Haiti. Grand Duke Patrick Noonan is particularly noteworthy in his many events for Haiti, from Marlena's to the Powerhouse, and supported by a host of performers, contributors, and attendees. Watch out for local flyers and announcements of events which will enable you to participate easily in this humanitarian cause.

When Leslie Jordan of Sordid Lives and Will & Grace fame is in town, all of us nelly queens walk a bit taller! His From Whence I Came show at the Rrazz Room at Hotel Nikko was an unabashed and refreshing embrace of camp and frivolity, adding much new material since his My Life on the Pink Carpet shows, and always delivering a heartfelt message of self-acceptance and Gay Pride. The night we attended, his nonstop stream-of-consciousness monologue kept the audience in stitches for well over an hour. In the house was Richmond/Ermet AIDS Foundation's Ken Henderson, no doubt delighted that Leslie will be returning to San Francisco for All You Need is Love 2, a Help is on the Way Valentine Benefit this Mon., Feb. 8, starting at 7:30 p.m. at Marines Memorial Theatre. and benefiting Aguilas and Stop AIDS Project. Other confirmed performers include David Burnham, Sharon Gless, Tim Hockenberry, La Toya London , Maureen McGovern , Carly Ozard, Teal Wicks (Wicked), and Jeanie Tracy. Pay a bit extra in order to be included in the reception with the stars afterwards in the Paris Ballroom of the Hotel Monaco. You'll read the full report afterwards right here in this column.

While in town, Jordan graciously attended Sunday's a Drag, now in its fourth year at Harry Denton's Starlight Room at the Sir Francis Drake Hotel. It is always a great compliment when a renowned fellow entertainer takes time out to see our show, and both Leslie and his handsome escort poured accolades on the cast of Holotta Tymes, Lady Tia , Cassandra Cass , and this humble reporter. Speaking of the gorgeous and talented Cassandra, did you know that she stars in a brand-new reality television show airing soon on Showtime? Titled Wild Things, this groundbreaking series follows three beautiful and well-spoken transgendered women on a journey of discovery in a recreational vehicle across various rural regions of our country. Drama promptly ensues!

We have spent many column inches lately encouraging you to explore the many artistic venues in the city, and Yoshi's San Francisco deserves special mention. Opened with great fanfare in late 2007, this striking, 400-seat, state-of-the-art venue features international jazz performers and other live music, while serving modern Japanese cuisine in the adjacent restaurant. We spent a delightful evening there recently with Richard Sablatura and Eric Forbes , reveling in the creative musicality of the SF Quartet. Their Brubeck CD received two Grammy nominations this year, and their violist is a friend of ours who also bartends at The Edge, namely Keith Lawrence. Yes, many of those bartenders who so tightly hold your attention have other interests and talents! We applaud Keith's musical success, and wish him luck with the Grammy Awards.

Looking ahead to the weekend, get out that green, gold, and purple for Krewe de Kinque's Bal Masque VII, Time Warp 2010, at Hotel Whitcomb on Sat. night, Feb. 6. In addition to previously announced entertainment from West Side Jazz Club , Ethel Merman, and Trauma Flintstone, a new press release names TV host and personality Liam Mayclem as this year's Grand Marshal, following in the footsteps of Jose Cisneros, Michael Brandon, Jan Wahl , and others. Folks, this is as close as you are going to get to a genuine New Orleans Mardi Gras Ball, and all for only $20-$30. Current KdK King James Holloway and Queen DivaD promise you a night of riotous energy, generous cocktails, and colorful spectacle.

Next Wed., Feb. 10, 6-8 p.m., Shanti raises its profile in the Castro with a happy hour at Trigger, featuring Pink Cosmos, raffle prizes, and information about their vital work and upcoming events. New energy from executive director Kaushik Roy and others sounds very promising. We'll be there in something as close to pink as we can find.

After that, the month becomes inundated with Imperial Court activities and events as the election of the new Emperor and Empress gets underway and Imperial Coronation on Feb. 27 approaches. Get those jewels out of the vault! A complete calendar of Imperial events in our next column will guide our readers through the often quixotic maze of activities.