Bridget Everett Headlines Ars Nova Gala

On Thursday, April 9, New York's glitterati come together for "Bridget Everett Gets F*cked by Ars Nova," a one-night-only blow-out benefit concert celebrating everyone's favorite badass bitch, alt-cabaret priestess and Ars Nova All Star, Bridget Everett. The guest of honor told EDGE she was thrilled about the show.

"I feel fucking great," said Everett. "These people are my closest friends and my chosen family and coincidentally, some of the most inspiring performers in NYC. How fantastic to have them all in a room for one night -- even if they roast me so hard I break down in tears. It'll be worth it. No one can make you cry like family!"

The benefit concert, directed by Scott Wittman of "Hairspray" and "Rock Bottom" fame, features tributes, roasts and send-up performances from Ars Nova's emerging artists, Everett herself and "every celebrity she's ever met* (*EVERY celebrity may be a slight exaggeration)."

Among these are Grammy and Tony Award-winner Patti LuPone and actor, comedian and Emmy-nominee Billy Eichner. Comedians, drag queens and entertainers aplenty round out the lineup, including Jim Andralis, DJ Jonjon Battles, Justin Vivian Bond, John Early, Cole Escola, Dan Finnerty, Murray Hill, Champagne Jerry, DJ Sammy Jo, Larry Krone, Erin Markey, Molly Pope, Marc Shaiman, Sweetie, The Tender Moments (Matt Ray, Mike Jackson, Carmine Covelli and Adam "Ad-Rock" Horovitz), Chris Tyler, Varsity Interpretive Dance Squad (VIDS), plus a few fun surprises.

Ars Nova began its relationship with Everett in 2004. Ars Nova Artistic Director Jason Eagan happened upon Everett standing atop a bar wailing out 4 Non Blonde's 'What's Up' at a karaoke night and, he recalls, "I was enamored by her incredible voice -- and even more incredible ability to physically touch everyone in the bar in inappropriate places."

Eagan invited Everett, with Kenny Mellman of Kiki and Herb, to perform regularly at Ars Nova while they developed a new alt-cabaret piece together. That show would become Ars Nova's 2007 smash hit "At Least It's Pink," co-created by Everett, Mellman and writer/director Michael Patrick King ("The Comeback," "Sex and the City"). Since this breakout moment with Ars Nova, Everett has been featured on stages and screens across the country.

"Bridget stands as a testament to Ars Nova's achievements shepherding early career artists to major success and this one-night only event gives us a chance to celebrate her as an Ars Nova All Star," Eagan remarks.

"Ars Nova is where I got my start," echoed Everett. "They gave me the resources and encouragement I needed to blossom into a no-holds-barred, take no prisoners, cabaret warrior. It didn't really matter how crazy and off the rails I went while working there, they were always encouraging me to go even further. Without Ars Nova, I'm not sure where I'd be. Probably gunning for a karaoke championship ring somewhere. Not a bad life, but I'm happier where I am now."

Everett has been called "the most exciting performer in New York City" on the cover of The Village Voice and "raw and riotous" by The New York Times. Her film, theater and television credits include "Inside Amy Schumer," "Two Broke Girls," "Sex and the City" and the upcoming Judd Apatow-produced film "Trainwreck." Everett has appeared at festivals including Montreal's Just For Laughs, HBO's Aspen United States Comedy Arts, Moontower Comedy, Festival Supreme, The San Francisco Sketchfest and Bonnaroo.

Everett and her band, The Tender Moments, perform regularly to sold-out crowds and have welcomed special guests as varied as Fred Armisen, Flea, Patti LuPone, Marc Shaiman, Peaches and Jake Shears of the Scissor Sisters. Their album, "Pound It," is available on iTunes. Everett recently starred in the hit Off-Broadway show "Rock Bottom" at The Public Theater. Look for her this spring in her new Comedy Central special, "Bridget Everett: Gynecological Wonder."

Everett is a big fan of hilarious, pun-laden show titles. This benefit holds the official title is "Bridget Everett Gets Fucked by Ars Nova." But it's a benefit with a fabulous lineup. So in the end, is anyone really getting fucked?

"I hope so," deadpanned Everett. "I've always had a thing for Billy Eichner's hairy chest. I'm not leaving empty handed!"

And you don't have to, either. Benefit Level tickets feature the best seats in the house, table-side service, top-shelf open bar and a VIP dinner and after-party with Everett and the evening's featured artists. All proceeds from the $1,000 Benefit Level tickets go toward Ars Nova's extensive artistic development initiatives and programming, aimed at finding, supporting and showcasing the next generation of talents like Bridget Everett. For Benefit Level tickets, contact Development Director Lee Ann Gullie at [email protected] or 212-489-9800 ext. 131.