POZ: Do You Wanna Funk at an AIDS Memorial?

Dancing at an AIDS memorial? How could you not, when you hear upbeat anthems like “Don’t Leave Me This Way,” “You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real),” “It’s Raining Men,” “Why,” “All Around the World” and “Never Can Say Goodbye.” Spanning the 1970s and ’80s, these dance floor classics were part of the soundtrack for the generation of young adults first decimated by HIV and AIDS. The tracks are also the inspiration for Songs for a Memorial, the latest art installation and related programming—including a silent disco and storytelling event—at the New York City AIDS Memorial.

Created by artist Steven Evans, the installation consists of 12 text-based LED sculptures that spell out in neon colors the titles of songs popular at clubs in downtown New York in the years leading up to and including the early epidemic. (The first official announcement of the disease was June 5, 1981, when the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported five cases of a mysterious illness affecting young gay men.)

The installation, which runs through September 6, is accompanied by—what else?—a free dance party inspired by the songs and titled Dance for a Memorial. The party starts at 7 p.m. and ends at 9 p.m. Wednesday, June 29, capping off a month of Pride. But there’s a twist: This is a silent disco. Partiers will wear headphones through which DJs Lady Bunny and Lina Bradford will spin the hits.