It's that time of year when the lovely folks at MotherNYC bring you The Night of a Thousand Stevies, the world's most famous Stevie Nicks tribute event. This 14th annual installation will be held on Friday, May 14 at the legendary NYC performance club The Knitting Factory. For the first time since the Jackie 60 and Mother years, they will have multiple rooms for your twirling pleasure, including a Stevie-themed lounge and balcony viewing of the main stage!

Night of a Thousand Stevies is a riot of shawls, lace, baby's breath, twirling, tambourines and impressive performances. The Enchanted Mistresses of Ceremonies are event founder Chi Chi Valenti (who originally conceived the event at Jackie 60 14 years ago with four performers) and co-producer Hattie Hathaway. The evening has come a long way since those four performers and is a marathon of Stevie homages, which range from stunning lip-synching replicas to varied and inspiring personal interpretations.

This year's confirmed performers include Amber Garbo (New Hampshire), master puppeteer Basil Twist with "Little Stevie Nicks," Belladonna (Santa Barbara), Billy O., Boy George, Brigit Brat, Dolly Domination, Gypsy Wild, Jade Barbee, Jessica Rabbit Domination, Jimmy James, Jonny Tingle and Max, Justin Bond, Ken Mellman, Lisa Jackson and Steve Gib, Lizzie Davis (Flower Mound, Texas), Miss Guy of The Toilet Boys, Nicole Nicks, Purple Gypsy, Rhiannon Gruber, "Paris Is Burning" star Sade Pendavis, Sweetie, St. Eve, The Ho-Hos (Cathy Cervanka, Jill Pangello and troupe) and The Stevie Nicks Experience (Des Moines).

The theme for 2004 is "Gate and Garden," echoing all the bouquets, roses and baby's breath featured in Stevie's songs. The all-Stevie/Fleetwood DJs for the evening are beyond Night of a Thousand Stevies legends, from Pork's Craig Spenser who spins his special remixes from 11pm on the main dance floor, to Poison Eve, who will play both the main floor from 9pm till 11pm and the downstairs Lounge from midnight till 2am. Stevie archivist Billy O. will create his much-loved Stevie soundtrack early and later in the lounge on his Night of a Thousand Stevies 10th Anniversary.

As always, this Stevie extravaganza will climax in a twirl of shawls and tambourines with the Battle of a Thousand Stevies near morning. In years past, things have gotten quite tense onstage as each performer attempts to out-twirl the next with much flailing and flouncing of handkerchief hems and chiffon. The soundtrack and decor conspire to completely immerse you in Stevie-ness. From the "method go-go" dancers dressed in head-to-toe Nicks to the performers and faithful crowd who return to this event year after year, it truly is a glittering, glamorous night. And given the square footage at The Knitting Factory, it may very well be MORE than a thousand Stevies!

The producers suggest that you dress "Like a White Winged Dove," in glittery shawls, "Leather and Lace," chiffon handkerchief hems, inspired Victoriana, ruched boot covers, Nightbird cloaks or other Fleetwood looks. Style your coif for Best Hair In Rock-and-Roll and accessorize your ensemble with paper flowers, customized tambourines, antique lace or baby's breath bouquets. We can guarantee that if you show up in anything less, you will of course be allowed entry, but you will definitely regret not making the effort! Try a black top hat with a white dove perched on top. You'll have an even better time!

Other related Stevie-mania events swirling around this evening include the debut of Gypsy 83, a film by Todd Stephens, which was inspired by Night of a Thousand Stevies and the Gypsies who travel in from near and far. Gypsy 83 opens Friday, April 16 in New York at City Cinemas Village East, 181 Second Avenue. Daily Show times are 1pm, 3:05pm, 5:10pm, 7:15pm, 9:45pm with late shows Friday and Saturday nights at 11:55pm.

On Saturday, April 17, there's a Gypsy 83 Premiere Stevie Nicks Gathering. The party starts at 7pm at Tenth Street Lounge, 212 East 10th Street and will feature in-person appearances by the cast and filmmakers as well as Stevie Music and fab giveaways, including signed posters, movie memorabilia, and one-of-a-kind merchandise from www.destinygalleria.com. The party will be followed by the evening screening of the film. We recommend buying movie tickets a few days ahead of time at www.moviefone.com.

Once you've taken in the party and the movie, head uptown to Albion BatCave at Downtime, 251 W 30 Street, for the Gypsy 83 Goth After Party. Things start swirling at 11pm and the cover is $10 with your movie stub and $15 without. The first 50 entries with movie ticket stub get a free gift. Plus there will be CD soundtrack and movie prop giveaways all night long. For more info visit www.albion-batcave.com.