The Evolution of Drag Shows

[NemoAlia]

I've never met a drag show that didn't captivate my attention.

That being said, whenever I go to one, I can't help but wonder whether the classic drag shows (where the queens do their own singing and possibly some interacting with the crowd beyond demanding tips) are only figments of my imagination encouraged by the fiction that I've read.

Or is it just that I live in the middle of the country, and there's no competition to drive up the quality and diversity?

 

[Chicklet]

You know, I've never been to a drag show. But I would love to go sometime. It interests me a lot. Of course, most things interest me = )

-Chicklet

 

[MaddyBaby]

Two of my best friends are drag queens.... they both interact with the crowd, and never demand tips.

I haven't really noticed a bad milking of tips from a crowd from a queen.... it's part of their job, just like me bartending... it's part of my job. They are never rude about it though....

If the queens you've seen are... I'd say that's awful. Drag queens are definitely a different breed... I love 'em. I DJ for the shows sometimes, and not only do you do the music... you also help them get dressed and help with hair.... and all that jazz!

If you live in the midwest, come up to St.Louis... our shows are nice up here. A lot of pretty girls.

 

[NemoAlia]

So Maddy, when you DJ for them, do the queens lip sync? Or are they providing their own singing voices? I would love to hear more live singing at the drag shows.

That would definitely inspire tip-giving more than just demanding a dollar from every straight (or bi) person in the room.

 

[Luna_Wolf72]

my 2 cents

There are 2 clubs located in Md that do drag shows at least once a month. I make it a point to go because some of my favorite people (including one of the club's owners and my cousin) participate. I have yet to see any sort of hustling for tips and most of the queens use their own voices. The few that don't put on such a great show that you really don't care!!!

For me, it's a part of the atmosphere...the fact that i get to go behind the scenes and help out just makes it that much better.

Anywho...i am out!!

lil girl

 

[NemoAlia]

So it sounds like the trick to really getting the most out of my local drag shows is to try to get behind the scenes...

Hey, sounds like fun!

 

[MaddyBaby]

So Maddy, when you DJ for them, do the queens lip sync? Or are they providing their own singing voices? I would love to hear more live singing at the drag shows.

That would definitely inspire tip-giving more than just demanding a dollar from every straight (or bi) person in the room.

I would hope that gay people also go to the shows as well as the straight and bi people. I don't know where you live in the midwest, but a lot of queens don't do their own singing.... you have to remember, they are still men. Some of them have had work done, but they are still men, none the less. If they had their pee-pees cut off... then they would be considered a transvestite, not a drag queen. There's still a difference there. It's hard enough for some to speak like a woman, let alone sing like one. I'm not saying they don't do it at all... but it's rare. My queens lip sync and do damn well at it.

 

[NemoAlia]

Well, yes, most of the people in the audience are gay. Even in the midwest.

And, as far as doing their own singing goes, I have always loved to hear man voices coming from those ladies' throats. So alluring! It just seems like some of 'em are (dare I say?) shy about giving away their vocal secrets. And really, that's sad.

 

[Angel]

I can't help but wonder whether the classic drag shows (where the queens do their own singing and possibly some interacting with the crowd beyond demanding tips) are only figments of my imagination encouraged by the fiction that I've read.



LOL, most of the Drag Shows I've been to are like this!

 

[Queersetti]

I can't help but wonder whether the classic drag shows (where the queens do their own singing and possibly some interacting with the crowd beyond demanding tips) are only figments of my imagination encouraged by the fiction that I've read.



LOL, most of the Drag Shows I've been to are like this!

I think that, like any branch of show business, there are different levels of quality.

In most big cities there are bars that have top of the line drag shows, featuring live singing, and most of the good performers do a great job of interacting with the audience.

But there are other clubs that don't book the top of the line, and you just aren't going to get as good a group of performers.

 

[Angel]

I think that, like any branch of show business, there are different levels of quality.

In most big cities there are bars that have top of the line drag shows, featuring live singing, and most of the good performers do a great job of interacting with the audience.

But there are other clubs that don't book the top of the line, and you just aren't going to get as good a group of performers.

That's probably why. I'm used to the big Drag shows with fairly well known ladies back home, and the others I've been to in Manhattan.

 

[NemoAlia]

That's it. I'm loading up my wagon and moving to the city!

 

[Luna_Wolf72]

hey hey, that's not right!!! I don't live in a city...and the 2 clubs i am talking about are located in hagerstown and frederick, neither of which deserve big city status. So, in some cases (at least in smaller places) i think it's just where you go and who you see...as well as how many of the lovely ladies one KNOWS in r/l.
(which is why i can honestly say i have never seen a sucky show!!!)

pet

 

[Queersetti]

hey hey, that's not right!!! I don't live in a city...and the 2 clubs i am talking about are located in hagerstown and frederick, neither of which deserve big city status. So, in some cases (at least in smaller places) i think it's just where you go and who you see...as well as how many of the lovely ladies one KNOWS in r/l.
(which is why i can honestly say i have never seen a sucky show!!!)

pet

I am sure there are great shows in smaller cities, but my point is that it is a form of show business, and the really talented professional performers are going to go where the money is, that is, to the bigger venues, which tend to be in the larger cities.

 

[ExistentialLuv]

I've never met a drag show that didn't captivate my attention.

That being said, whenever I go to one, I can't help but wonder whether the classic drag shows (where the queens do their own singing and possibly some interacting with the crowd beyond demanding tips) are only figments of my imagination encouraged by the fiction that I've read.

Or is it just that I live in the middle of the country, and there's no competition to drive up the quality and diversity?

I went to my first drag show in Portland at Darcell's. It was absolutly fabulous. Singing, dancing, interaction, and comedy. I want to make it to Finocios in San Fran one of these days, but till then I will continue to visit Darcell's. A definate must see attraction for anyone visiting Portland or living in Oregon.

 

[ExistentialLuv]

I am sure there are great shows in smaller cities, but my point is that it is a form of show business, and the really talented professional performers are going to go where the money is, that is, to the bigger venues, which tend to be in the larger cities.

Surprisingly for as big as Portland is, Darcell's is small and very comfortable, and the atmoshere is wonderful.

 

[ExistentialLuv]

Hoo-Raa, Yippie Kie Ay

I am taking Pollyjean to Darcell's tonight. I am so excited for her and me too. It is going to be so much fun, fun, fun

 

[Cigan]

All I have to say is miss 3D. There is a whole article on her in the most recent issue of Blue. An excellent art magazine centered around gay culture. It's an Australian mag, and the article dealing with drag in Sydney this issue is fabulous. It has some of her more interesting costumes, and it's by no means your typical drag. Check it out if you can find a store in your area that carries Blue.