Thunderstorm cuts short star-studded opening of flashy Austrian AIDS gala
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
VIENNA (AP) — Former U.S. President Bill Clinton and others ran for cover Saturday as the opening of a flashy Austrian AIDS gala was cut short by a fierce thunderstorm.
Appearances by Clinton, burlesque dancer Dita Von Teese and Patti LaBelle had to be skipped after authorities issued a weather warning and ordered the packed square in front of Vienna's city hall to be cleared.
The 18th annual party — a fundraiser for people with HIV and AIDS — each year attracts thousands of revelers in quirky costumes who dance until dawn in the vast neo-gothic building — often wearing nothing more than the bare minimum.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
Take Hans Peter Aigner, a 44-year-old from Innsbruck, whose outfit consisted of white and blue body paint, black patent leather plateau boots and tiny white hot pants.
"This is my twelfth Life Ball — We're never going to miss another one," he said, motioning to a group of friends in similarly sparse attire.
Saturday night's show also should have included an address by actress Whoopi Goldberg and a video message from Sharon Stone, as well as a fashion show with designs by Kenneth Cole, Calvin Klein and Diane von Furstenberg.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
But those lucky enough to have tickets to enter city hall didn't seem too perturbed about missing all that due to the downpour.
"It's just a shame for those who can't be here — this is great," said 30-year-old Maha Elaser as she and a friend — both dressed in strategically placed fake leaves, among other things — enjoyed a drink under an awning in the courtyard as live music acts performed throughout the building.
This year's bash served as a prelude to an international AIDS conference that kicks off in Vienna Sunday and is expected to draw thousands of policymakers, activists and experts.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
____
Online:
The Life Ball: http://www.lifeball.org
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
(This version CORRECTS Subs 5th graf to correct quote, ADD color. This story is part of AP's general news and entertainment services. For global distribution.)