AFAN’s 31st annual Black & White Party returns to the Hard Rock Hotel

By Brock Radke (contact)

Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2017 | 2 a.m.

Antioco Carrillo has been attending AFAN’s annual Black & White Party for “as long as I can remember,” he says, probably for more than 20 years. For the last five, he’s been the executive director of Aid for Aids of Nevada, the oldest and largest AIDS service organization in the state (founded in 1984).

Last year, for the party’s big 30th anniversary, it moved from its most frequent home at the Hard Rock Hotel to take Aria for a spin. While it was still a highly successful event, Carrillo is happy to bring the party—one of Las Vegas’ favorite nonprofit events of the year—back to the Hard Rock on Saturday, August 19, for its 31st edition with a “New Orleans Soirée” theme. (Tickets start at $65, the opening VIP reception begins at 7 p.m. and information can be found at afanlv.org.

“We’re very fortunate to have a partnership with the Hard Rock. They bend over backwards to help us and make sure we have a successful event,” Carrillo says. “Aria sort of recruited us actively [last year] and it was a great idea. This event is really a locals’ event, though we love to have tourists attending, but most people are locals and it’s just easier to go to the Hard Rock than the Strip, especially with some [locals] concerned with parking and things. The Hard Rock is our home.”

Once again “The Duchess of Decadence” Norma Llyaman will play host for Black & White, which will feature plenty of food and drinks, a silent auction—last year’s raised more than $140,000—and performances from “Absinthe” star Melody Sweets, cast members from other Strip shows “Human Nature,” “Baz: Star Crossed Love” and “Frank Marino’s Divas Las Vegas,” acrobats Brandon Scott and TJ Stutts and DJ Axis. The opening reception will feature additional performances from Pia Zadora, Michelle Johnson and more. (VIP tickets start at $85.)

In the pantheon of Vegas charitable events, the Black & White Party is the guaranteed good time, especially known for the often risqué costumes attendees wear to celebrate. “It is a great party and we’re fortunate so many people look forward to it every year. We’re honored to have a lot of people supporting us,” says Carrillo. “But in the background is that this is a great way to continue creating awareness for out community and how we’re still dealing with AIDS. It’s not gone.”

For 33 years, AFAN has been providing health expertise, support and advocacy for Southern Nevadans living with and affected by HIV and AIDS. Its programs include direct client service, food and nutrition, prevention and education and community outreach.

“The way we see HIV has shifted,” Carrillo says. “It used to be education and seminars and talking to people about condom use and all those things that are crucial for people to become aware, but at some point the national strategy shifted and we are looking at a new way, which is getting tested. The sooner you know, the sooner you get into treatment and stabilize your health so you can live a longer and healthier life. And we’re here to assist in everyone and anyone accessing those services.”