What Does the Fox Say?

When you're out and about and get Friday the 13th tattoos with your closest drag queen friends, there has to be a story...right!?

A photo posted by Steve Dixon (@dragged2inside) on May 14, 2016 at 11:07am PDT

Last weekend was a busy, crazy and fun weekend. Basically, everything that I needed after getting bad news about job prospects.

Friday night, we had the Portland Pride Launch Party. I had been asked to take pictures, in exchange for free admission for me, Shaunna Rai and Miss E,on. At least, that's how it was supposed to work. As with the party last year, I had to walk about three blocks to get there after parking. Only to find out that there was nothing for us...so needless to say, Shaunna wasn't happy.  And, it was my responsibility to fix it.

We ended up paying for our tickets, then got reimbursed. Not ideal, but it worked. The launch party was fun. Shaunna was announced along with Cherry Lemonade and drag king Jack Hardness as the judges for the Pride parade. There were so many performances, and I basically was glued to the camera and didn't really interact with anyone...although, my flame glitter beard did get noticed by the MC and I got a shout out.

The night finally was over and I could put the camera away. A few of the other drag queens were going to Styxx, for drinks, so we went along.

As it was Friday the 13th, it turned out to be a very interesting, fun night.

Shortly after going to Styxx, we were told about a shop that was doing tattoos for $20 for as long as they had a line. So, what happens? A troupe of drag queens descended on Lucky's Tattoos. Gigi Gabor had called ahead to see if they were still open, and when she told them that they would be getting a group of queens coming in, they couldn't turn it down.

So, we left Styxx and walked to the tattoo parlor. Shaunna said she would pay for mine, since I'd paid for drinks. We got there, and they said that they were going to cut off just before I would have been able to go. Gigi, Cherry, Shaunna, E,on and Lady Ginger went to sign their lives away as far as paperwork went. I have been wanting another tattoo for a while, especially since I paid for Dan to get one for Valentine's day. So, when she said they wouldn't be taking any more people, I advocated for myself and asked. And, because I was with the queens, I lucked out.

Since we now had a place in line, we headed down the street to Studio 55. And, we ended up closing the club. So, we headed back to the parlor. Jacinda  (who came in boy form) and I had to run to move our cars so they wouldn't get towed.

Finally, we hunkered down for the night...or morning...since it was like 2am by now. There were still a few people ahead of us. The tv was on, and it was sports. Shaunna complained that queens don't care about sports. The tv eventually listened, and changed to some kind of nature show.

"What the fuck!?" I looked up to see people shoot a hippo, and then butcher it on air. What the fuck, indeed. Once that was over, Wild America, a show from the 80's came on. And, again, dying animals...this time at the hands...teeth of other animals.

Finally, it was time to get tattooed. Gigi was first. When talking about what people were going to get, she had said she would be getting the number 207, to represent her Maine drag sisters. I thought that was awesome. 

E,on got the Deathly Hallows (from Harry Potter).

Ginger was excited, because this would be her first tattoo. She got a diamond, with the number 13.

Cherry got a two for one design. She combined a cherry and a lemon, to represent...well...herself.

Shaunna decided to get a key...on her butt cheek...and made sure everyone knew that it was the key to unlock her asshole. Little did she know that it actually unlocked the asshole in someone else. The guy who was supposed to do her key refused to tattoo her ass. So, she got a cool woman instead. The tattooer had to rip Shaunna's tights to do it. And, admitted afterward that it was two firsts for her that night...the first ass she ever tattoed, and the first drag queens she had ever tattooed.

And finally, I got a fox. The guy who refused to do Shaunna's ended up doing mine. And, I think he took out frustration on me during my linework...it hurt way more than the coloring did.

While the fox really doesn't have a drag related story...other than it was done with five queens in full drag...it does have a story, other than that it's cute and looks like something I would draw.

The fox is kind of a spirit animal of sorts...and the story of why is kinda morbid. I was picking a client up from work, and got behind another car. A fox ran out in front of the first car, and was hit and killed. But, before it died, it locked eyes with me. I've been drawn to foxes ever since.

By the time we were done, it was just about 4am. Which normally wouldn't be an issue...except we were doing the Zumba weekend starting at 9am. By the time we got home to go to sleep it was 5am. I still had to wash off my glitter beard and didn't get to sleep until almost 6. Only to be woken up 2 hours later, for a full day of running, taking pictures at the Zumba retreat.

But, it was so worth staying up all night. Because, I mean, really...who else can say, honestly, that they got tattooed with five drag queens on Friday the 13th? I'm willing to bet the number of people who can, is pretty small.

Why DON'T You Do Drag? or I Just Want to be Pretty

Me, with no makeup, no padding, and gym sock boobies.

Back in February, during the Open Hearts/Broken Hearts show, Chris, the director of the show, asked me why I don't do drag.  He was surprised when I told him that I had done it before, and then again asked me why I don't. 

At the time, I had a stock answer.  I'd been growing my beard since November.  Doing drag would mean shaving it off, and then I'd have to go through the 3 1/2 weeks of itching and wanting to tear my face off.  So, there was no way that I would put myself through all that, just for a show that might last a couple of hours.

I guess it was an acceptable excuse, since he didn't pursue it any further.

But, Chris isn't the first person to have asked me why I don't do drag, and most likely won't be the last.  Cherry Lemonade asked me about it, the same night, and almost died when I showed her pictures. 

"Well, why not," she asked.  "Well, you know, the beard, and everything.  And, I don't really perform.  I can sing, but I sing for myself.  I can't dance...(I'm so white that I dance with my shoulders, and that's about it.)

Mathu Anderson, the face behind RuPaul's face.

It's all been excuses though.  The truth is, Drag is a ton of work. While I may be able to lip sync with the likes of Jujubee, because I know the songs, I know nothing of makeup, and padding, and building a body.  (Plus, Dan had said at the beginning of our relationship that if I ever decided to become a drag queen, our relationship would have to turn to a friendship, because he doesn't date other drag queens.)  I'm lazy enough that I don't want to have to go through all the work of getting all dolled up for something.  Or, at least that's what I keep telling myself.

The last couple of weeks for me have been a mess.  My job as a temp agency person has been less than helpful in getting me hours.  And, so I've been spending a lot of time at home, thinking. People always tell you to do what makes you happy.  The last couple of months, I've been more or less miserable at work.   A job that I used to enjoy now leaves me longing for something more. It's time to make a move...it's just a matter of figuring out what that move is.

Having dealt with depression for most of my life, I can tell that part of my problem, is that my depression is back, and not under control.  (In part, I assume, due to the stress of never knowing if I'm going to have any hours, thus never knowing if I'm going to have money for bills.) And, I've been trying to release some anger toward people who have moved on to the next life, of their own volition.  It's an anger that I didn't even know was there, until a few days ago.  And, so of course, the resulting facebook post, on my personal page, came off like a suicide note, and I got a ton of messages from it, making it feel like I had done something bad, by writing it.  When, in fact, it was done to release feelings, and not as an actual, "I'm fishing for likes and comments," post.  But, over the past week or so, I've been dealing with the idea of mortality.  And, the finality of death. 

So, why am I telling you all this?  Because, well, I'm still trying to process some things on my own.  And, writing about it usually helps.  And, because, it ties in, eventually, if you stay with me. 

Drag, has given me a voice, both as a writer, and as a photographer.  This blog, is my way of discussing drag.  And, the shows that I attend, give me both something to photograph, and something to write about.  Cherry Lemonade told me last summer, (a sentiment that Shaunna Rai has repeated since) that I fill a niche, and my blog is important to the performers themselves.  (At least sometimes...I've had a few get pissed off at me because when I've written about performances, they didn't get much coverage, because they didn't really stand out all that much.) I give the performers a view of what they did, that they don't normally get...because people tend to be like, "OMG, You're SOOOO Awesome.  You're my FAVE drag queen, ever." And, I'm real about it.  If you were good, I'll let everyone know how good.  If you're bad, I'm going to skim over the bad parts, because my goal is to tell what I see, NOT to hurt anyone's feelings.

Bearded Ladies can be Beautiful too!

Of course, living with Shaunna Rai, I have full access to outfits, makeup and hair, any time that I want.  But, I haven't taken advantage of it, ever, with the exception of Halloween, because I don't want to be a pain in the ass.  That being said, I've often wondered what I would actually look like, if I went full on drag queen...And,in spite of RuPaul's Drag Race's bearded lady challenge last season, I haven't really been keen on bearded drag.  Just, because I hadn't really seen much of it that really impressed me much.

Last night, I may have become enamored of the look of a (new to me) bearded queen.  Hellvetika, along with Mathu Anderson changed my mind about bearded drag.  Of course, there are good makeup artists, and there are not so good ones.  The two of them, though, are top of the line, in my book.  I'm not saying that I'm planning on being dragged out of the closet, as a bearded queen any time soon.  God knows, I can't afford it right now, on my will I work this week budget. But, it's not totally ruled out anymore.  At least not as long as I can manage to get away with looking ok, and not looking like a pot-bellied bald guy in a sausage casing dress.

So, no promises, but, if you see a bearded lady with a camera, lip syncing with the rest of the queens, it could be me...Maybe...

I just wanna be pretty.

Midsummer Night Queens: Week 3: BenDeLaCreme

I waited a year for the second installment of Midsummer Night Queens shows. I was most looking forward to the final show, for two reasons. One, was that initially, Katya was supposed to be a part of it. And, two, was that when Katya was unable to be there, and it was BenDeLaCreme, I felt like it was a second chance of sorts, for me to make a better impression.

When Ben came to Portland for the BOTS Tour, I felt afterward a little like a creeper, because when we stayed for the "after party" at Styxx, I went into my "I'm a superfan, and don't know what to say, so I'll say nothing and just watch and take everything in," creeper mode.

And, after two days prior of shows, I was ready to get it over with...and was so excited I could pee.

Since we got in early from the Cancer Schmancer show, I felt like I actually got enough sleep, for once.  And, due to the traffic the previous two shows, we decided that the best thing to do, would be to leave early.

So, when Dan/Shaunna Rai got a text halfway to Portland, on our way to pick up Cherry Lemonade, saying that the show had been canceled, I didn't believe it. Like, I seriously thought that it was a joke.  Until I got the details...a pipe had burst at the Seacoast Rep Theater. The matinee show of Avenue Q was canceled. The water had bathed the lighting system, so it was all unusable space.

Given the fact that BenDeLaCreme had been flown in, it seemed like an impossibility for the show to not go on in some way. How much money would've been thrown down the toilet, if the theater lost money on BenDeLa,  and on tickets that needed to be refunded? It just made sense for the show to move venues...which was exactly what ended up happening.

During lunch with Shaunna and Cherry, I did what I do. I took to the social medias and started promoting the new location, in every way I could think of. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tumblr all got some version (pretty much the same version from Instagram ) of the information..."The show has been moved, here's the new location, hope to see you there." I more or less figured that this was a lesson in futility, but I needed to do what I could to make sure that everyone I knew who was coming, would know where to go.

After lunch, we headed to the Rep, so that the girls could paint, as the space at the new venue was going to be too small for everyone's stuff. There was so much going on that the conversations have all melted together in my memory...although, I do remember talk of Rocky Horror, which was how Cherry and Bunny Wonderland met.  And, Mimi Imfurst was also around back in those days.

I ran upstairs, as the bar was open, and the girls wanted drinks. On the way up, I very nearly gave myself a heart attack, and then did it again on the way back down.  There was a mannequin with what looked like hockey gear on, standing in a dark corner. And I got jumped by it every time I walked by it.

Finally, we loaded the makeup cases back into the car, and it was time to head to the new space, 3S Artspace.  We got there easy enough, and it was then kind of a mess finding parking...so we parked at the bank...on the grass...and went in to find out where to bring the bags and stuff.

The staff were very helpful getting us to the stage area...presumably,  because it's not often that they get men in women's faces coming in. They were excited about the show though. The stage was great. Although, backstage was tiny. There were going to be about 6 people at a time back there with costume changes, etc. I'm still not sure how they all fit.

After getting them situated, I went back out to move the car, so I wouldn't fear being towed. And, grabbed the bags. On my way back into the building, I heard someone yell my name. I looked around, but didn't recognize the voice. As I got to the building, they said my name again. I recognized the person as a Facebook person. He thanked me for the update about the change of venue, and asked if I knew where we were going. I told him to follow me, but that I couldn't guarantee that they would let him in, because at this point, it was still really early. He thanked me then went on his way, as I made mine back into the backstage area.

Wendy showed up shortly after, and I bugged Bunny again, to let her in early. So, while I waited for everything to start, and for the doors to open, I at least had company.

Because of the change of venue, and the time change, and drag shows just about never start, on time, it seemed like forever for the show to start.  But, the show was totally worth the wait, and the hassle of exploiting social media.

Bunny did a version of her witches mix, that includes clips from Wicked and Maleficent from Sleeping  Beauty. 

Lili Whiteass did a version of Rocky Raccoon, in full raccoon drag. I had never heard the song before, but I got a kick out of it. Later, Lili did an homage to Devil Wears Prada and Madonna's Vogue.

BenDeLa did a hilarious number that started off with her lip synching to herself "talking to the dj", and then trying to follow a number, where the music was off...first too fast, then too slow. And, watching her do a perfect synch to slow motion music, and The Chipmunk speed music was awesome.

BenDeLaCreme later did her Burlesque number, that she had done when we saw the BOTS Tour. It's a number that I love, because it's funny. I didn't expect to get a glitter bomb though. I found out later, that Shaunna and Cherry told her to look for me, and throw glitter at me. Which, in a way made it better.

Cherry did a number from (I think) one of Barbara Streisand's movies. It was great until the end of the number, when the character falls off a building to her death, and it looked like Cherry overestimated the space between the stage and the first row if audience, because she quite nearly fell into the audience. 

For whatever reason, there was a carpet on the stage, and a number of times I caught a slip happening. 

Rainbow Frite again did her Somewhere That's Green, only, this time, it was the version she meant to do the first show...complete with an Audrey II puppet, that eventually devoured her.

Before I knew it, the show was over, and everyone was clearing out.  BenDeLa had finished out the show, and there was a couple bucks of tip money, and I think a cover up, left on the stage. So, when I felt like it was safe and nobody was going to be like "Wtf do you think you're doing," I grabbed the stuff, and took it backstage.

Once I got backstage, Shaunna introduced me, as her boyfriend, and as a surprise to me, she remembered me from the BOTS Tour. After I recovered from the idea that she knew who I was, I went out to wait with everyone else...because, the backstage area really was too small for me to be there too.

One by one, the girls came out, and I started up my, "I'll take your picture" thing, and from that point, time flew by. So many people. So many pictures. So many other people's cameras.

Finally, it was time for me to get my picture taken. And, nobody knew how to use my camera. I had it all set up, so that all that needed to be done was a click of the button, and the picture would've been perfect. I handed it off, and then proceeded to stand with BenDeLaCreme through 30-ish pictures that were not at the zoom I had set it for. We laughed a little, then headed outside.

Those who smoke smoked. The young girls who had been at the Jujubee show, were waiting outside, and proceeded to "tell the past" and  "tell the future" for BenDeLa, by reading her aura.

BenDeLaCreme put up with it, although, much of what they were saying was already public knowledge, or it was something that could apply to any generic gay man. They finally left, and BenDeLa said that was a relief. She didn't buy any of it.

At this point, it was just me and the queens, and the staff who were closing the theater for the night, and I would say that it was well after midnight. We went back inside, and everyone started to de-drag and pack up. BenDeLa admitted that she had forgotten to bring boy clothes for after the show. It didn't stop her from asking about bars around the area...only, she seemed shocked when she was told the time for last call. New England, and our Puritanical rules about alcohol being unavailable at a bar past 1am.

Unfortunately, for the girls, the bar at the theater had also closed for the night already, although cans of beer and soda were readily available.

This was the best part of the night for me, because I hadn't really gotten a good chance to meet Lili or Rainbow, in spite of the three shows. In my head, they were "above me," but proved to be just as human as me. Lili was trying to close her contact case, and couldn't figure out why it wouldn't work. She handed it off to Shaunna, who also couldn't figure it out. I had been watching, and couldn't figure out why the cap looked different, and asked if I could look at it. It turned out that they were trying to put a cap from a water bottle on it. We all had a good laugh, and then, got kicked out of the theater. It was about 2am, and the staff were ready to go home.

Everyone said their goodbyes and promised to keep in touch, and then began the trek back to Maine.

On the return trip, conversation turned to the guy who asked me how to get in, and that I am officially part of the drag crew...and that I play a bigger role than I think I do.

I snap pictures at every show I go to. I post them for the world to see, and for the girls to use for their own promotional purposes. And, I blog about the experience. The girls do the shows and have memories of this or that, but generally not the whole show. My stories about what the show was like, give them something solid to remember. I give a written history for them to look back at and say, "I remember that show," and to see how it went over with the audience.

We finally made it to Kennebunk and stopped for our usual BK stop. I don't remember exactly what led up to it, but at one point, I could've sworn that the cook was going to whip out his penis for Cherry. Quick as it started, he had gone back to the grill.

We headed back to the car, and I became the subject of conversation again...well, not me, specifically, but...my butt, specifically. How nice and round it is, and how many people, male or female would be jealous of it. Cherry asked if it was ok to grab a cheek, got the ok, and did. I was a little embarrassed,  but since I was driving, it didn't make much difference. I went into listening mode again, and then just like that, the night was over. We dropped Cherry off. I helped bring her stuff up to her apartment. And, then, an hour later, we were home.

Midsummer Night Queens: Week 2: Joslyn Fox

The trip to Portsmouth, was very uneventful, and conversation was much like it was the prior week...these guys take drag seriously, as a business, these guys don't, and the ones who don't, and go out in drag every night (for fun) ruin paid gigs for the "business-minded" queens.

We got held up again at the York toll. This time, for even longer than the first time.  Sundays, and the end of the summer, lead to mass tourists heading south, to return home. (I know, tourists make or break businesses in Maine, during the summer, but I'm usually glad to see them go home.)

We got to the Rep, and I again dropped the girls off, then drove around trying to figure out where I could park. Unfortunately, the bank parking lot was full, and I didn't want to risk it with the church possibly towing the car. So, I drove around the block three times, and by the grace of all that is good, as I was getting ready to give up and go park in the parking garage a few blocks away, someone pulled out. So, I got a spot right in front of the theater.  Only, Portsmouth runs their parking meters until 7pm on Sundays, so I had to rush to find quarters for two and a half hours worth of parking. Once parked, I took a minute to relax before heading back down.

Because I spend so much time as a man on a mission, I had planned to just head backstage to get drink orders. Only,  I got held up by puppets.  The Avenue Q puppets were again a part of Bunny's number. And I walked in on the rehearsal for it. It was brilliant, and I was so excited to see it actually worked into the show.

During the Jujubee show, Wendy had asked me how to get a backstage pass, to hang out in the dressing room with the girls. I told her that with some begging, and her being there early,  that we could probably get her in.

Once we arrived, though, I had actually forgotten that I was going to talk to Bunny Wonderland about getting her in. And it occurred to me when I saw her outside, that I had forgotten. Fortunately, Cherry Lemonade asked, and it was not a problem.

Because the room is set up with lights and mirrors on both sides of the room, I could stare at myself in the mirror, and see everything that was going on in the rest of the room. (I'm sure everyone knew that I was watching, but, I tried to play it off otherwise.)

Wendy was all aglow, because she had just gotten back from P-Town, where she met John Waters, and saw Jinkx Monsoon and Trixie Mattel. And, she was in all her glory hanging out backstage with the queens. I don't think that the entire time we were downstairs I saw the smile leave her face.

Unlike last year, Joslyn painted at her hotel room instead of the theater. She arrived and they did a quick run through of the introduction staging directions , I did a last drink run, and then Wendy and I went to take our seats.

Our usual seats were reserved...for someone else. When I asked about who they were for, apparently, someone is trying to set up a ferry to P-Town from Portsmouth, and those were the people who stole my seat. Which worked out well enough, because with the puppet number, I wouldn't have managed to get the whole stage from the first row. So, second row it was.

It's always fun, watching the crowd come into the Rep, because, it's like walking into a crater. A very deep crater with very steep sides. (It really sucks carrying suitcases with drag queens in them down the steps, but it's fun to watch other people.) The reaction is usually somewhere along the lines of, "Jesus, could they make these steps any steeper?"

Finally, showtime! All my usual people were there this time, including the new people from Jujubee. The only one missing was the ever stoic Brian, who had to work.

My favorite act, by far, was the Mary Poppins/Avenue Q number,  which I watched in rehearsal after parking. Bunny Wonderland made an amazing stoned Mary Poppins, being greeted by the puppets of Avenue Q, to the tune of "It's a Jolly Holiday With Mary".  Which, incidentally was why I needed to not be in the front row this time...

Joslyn as JLO surprised me. The hair was spot on, and occasionally during the number, I went off into a world where I was watching JLO and not JFO. 

I guess I was in the zone, because, it's rare that I have a conflict of reality, that allows me to suspend disbelief enough to buy a person as another person. (If that makes sense? This is why I could not watch TED...Peter Griffin is not a walking, talking teddy bear...I couldn't deal with the wrong character with the right voice.)

I was excited for Shaunna Rai's "Out Tonight" from RENT, because when we saw the stage the first time, I was like, "YOU NEED TO!"

Cherry Lemonade did a number, that I really didn't get. It started off with a phone call about her dad (presumably) dying, and then launched into a chain of memories about lost time, and that kind of thing. It was amazing, and showed off her vocal projection, because the mic crapped out on her.  It was important to Cherry,  and I later found out that it was one of her "for me" numbers.  A number that the audience doesn't have to "get" because it's about the character, more than it is the audience.

Lili Whiteass did again, her number starting with Elsa Mars singing "Heroes", and transforming into a skeleton tap dancing to "Puttin on the Ritz." And, I accidentally got one of my favorite pictures ever, of her, with the skull mask on.

The numbers kind of run together,  sometimes, for me, because as a photographer, I'm paying more attention to whatever action is happening, than the actual music.

Joslyn, as I expected, did not disappoint. Where her night last year was Broadway based, I has expected at least one Broadway number from her. Instead I got three Pop divas...JLO, Rhianna and Pink. And, I can honestly say I have never heard Pink do "Bohemian Rhapsody", but she's brilliant. And, Joslyn amazed.

Before I knew it, the show was over. I ran backstage to check on Shaunna, and see if she needed any help. We got the corset off, and I headed back up, to be ready for the Meet and Greet. I was there before the queens were, and, so I started to chat with the people I knew.

Andre, Joslyn's husband came up and started setting up merchandise for sale. I, immediately, searched out Wendy, who had said earlier that she was looking for Joslyn t-shirts.

Joslyn and the rest of the girls made their way up, and, as usually happens, the crowd swarmed. "Joslyn, take a selfish with me," and, "You're so (insert any adjective here), can I get a picture with you?"

So, I went around to get shots of people, and began to hand out my business cards to people, explaining that I was the official photographer, and showing where I would be posting photos from all the shows. (Because, what blogger doesn't want to promote their blog along with their photographs?)

Joslyn finally set herself up, with a table, for signing items for people. And I took control of the line. "You're next," and, "Smile," left my mouth more that night, than they ever have in my life. When the line was gone, I got panicky, because, it's my thing to get my picture with the Ru girls, and Shaunna was busy with her own paparazzi, so I had no idea who would take my picture. I didn't need to worry. I got my picture...And only then realized that I had forgotten to get one with Jujubee, the week before.

Finally, the crowd started to peter out, until only the few people who were getting paid were left. (And me, and Andre) Everyone went down to pack up, and leave. Feeling a little awkward, because the dressing room felt very crowded, I stayed outside, and probably made a complete fool of myself. I reintroduced myself to Andre (because I had met him in Ogunquit the day before they got married, and again at last year's show.) And, so, because I was trying to actually have a conversation on my own, I talked about the only thing that I could think of...Facebook...And the fact that we weren't Facebook friends. So,  I asked if I  would be weird to friend request him, since I was already friends with Joslyn's boy page. He said I would be fine, and I was like, this is so cool.

The ride home was a very interesting ride. Apparently, there was a mix up in Shaunna Rai's check and Rainbow Frite's. And, there was a difference in pay scale.

This set up a huge discussion about how the pay scale should've been the same across the board, for all but the Ru girls. I was silent, because I didn't know what to say for one, and I kind of expected that from girls who do this as a living, as opposed to the girls who have day jobs.

When we finally got to Kennebunk, I was ready to get out of the conversation. The Burger King people who worked the previous week were working again, AND recognized us. Shaunna asked Cherry if she wanted to take more pictures in the gazebo. Cherry said she would, and this time, the BK guys gave her a hard time about it.

The rest of the ride home was uneventful, but, I was so glad to finally get home. With these trips, I realized that the only downside to living in Lewiston, is that it's so much longer a ride when we're coming from out of state. That is the only time that I miss living in Portland.

Midsummer Night Queens: The Ru-Turn: Jujubee

Jujubee

So, the Seacoast Rep Theater invited Shaunna Rai back for a second round of Midsummer Night Queens.  They also invited Rainbow Frite, Lili Whiteass (who had done a winter version) and Cherry Lemonade (for her first time.)

Bunny Wonderland

Everything was on point, we were ready to go early, and everything.  So, it felt like something needed to go wrong.  Because, well, you know, that's kind of how my luck goes.  Surprisingly, nothing did go wrong.  Although, it did feel a little strange leaving to go to Portsmouth, and not stopping to pick up Miss E,on.

We left early, to stop for lunch.  And then, did some shopping while we killed time before we were supposed to pick up Cherry.  At 3:30pm, sharp, we were at Cherry's getting the car loaded, for the trek out of state.  And, everything went so smoothly...until we got to York.

Traffic went along great, and then we got to the York toll booths.  And, what with it being Sunday, everyone was headed south.  I kid you not, it took almost half an hour to make a 10 minute drive across the state line.

Lili Whiteass does Little Edie
from Grey Gardens

We got to the Rep, and I was given strict instructions.  Park in the bank parking lot, not the church parking lot.  If you park at the church, you will be towed!  (They share the same lot, but they're separated by a partial brick wall.)  Easier said than done. I drove around what seemed like forever, trying to find a spot.

Conversation for much of the trip down, revolved around shows, and drag as a career.  And, how seriously people take their drag.  And, how occasionally, you have a great queen, who could really wow people if they took themselves a little more seriously, and decided not to rely on the camp they could become a force to be reckoned with.

Cherry Lemonade

I got drinks, and really appreciated the fact that I was essentially touring with the Maine queens and got to take a little advantage of the drink tickets...not that I took a lot of advantage of it...two drinks and I'm pretty much done. After a quick tour of the stage, Jujubee showed up, in "boy drag". And I realized that this was the first time I had met Airline in person, although I have met Jujubee a number of times. A run through of the introduction, and then faces started to go on.

Shaunna Rai does Proud Mary

While I love to sit and watch Shaunna Rai put on her face, I enjoy watching everyone else get into face more...Because they're all so different.  And, so, I watched Jujubee, Cherry Lemonade and Bunny Wonderland  get into face.

Watching Shaunna put on a face, I more or less know the timeline for how long it takes for Dan to start looking like Shaunna. So, seeing the speed at which Airline became Jujubee, I was in awe...And so was Dan. It became a topic of conversation for the rest of the night.

Rainbow Frite as Frank N Furter
(Sort of)

Since Jujubee, Lili Whiteass and Rainbow Frite  are all Boston girls, of course some talk was about the drag scene in Boston. There was a little talk about the upcoming season of Drag Race and All Stars 2.

Lili Whiteass as Elsa Mars

The best and worst thing about working with someone who is/has been on a tv show,  is that you get inside information, on occasion, but then, you have to sit on that information, until the show airs. Then, when you say, "I've known since, whenever," people write you off as making it up.  So, I'll say it now, I know a couple things about a couple things, but I can't say a word about them.

I of course, in an attempt to actually talk to someone who I adore, started talking about my blog, and my less than favorable review of Pandora Boxx at the BOTS Tour, and that Pandora had seen and commented on the reciew. Jujubee then, jokingly said that I would need to go, because If I was a blogger, she couldn't be quoted talking about the show. (And I wanted to hide my head in shame. Until I realized she wasn't totally serious about it.)

and again as a tap dancing Skeleton

Bunny Wonderland

Shortly after that, it was almost showtime. I went up to claim my seat before the doors opened, leaving my camera bag and a shirt. I grabbed last minute drinks for Shaunna and Cherry and went back to the dressing room. Making sure that everyone was good, I went back to claim my place. And, immediately went into a panic. My camera bag,  with camera, was still there, but my shirt was gone. (A brand new shirt, I'd only worn once before.)

Wendy came, and took the seat next to me, with her friend, the boys (Cody and Frank), Jodi and her partner, were all there. And a few new people who I knew from other places as well.
During the introduction,  I pointed out for Wendy (who was video taping) where the girls were going to make their entrances from.

The show went off without a hitch. As usually happens, I got lost in trying to capture everything and lost some of the music.

Brian actually did smile...

Cherry Lemonade

A few things stand out, as they usually do. Rainbow Frite did Somewhere That's Green, from Little Shop of Horrors, and, somehow I remember hearing that the version that she had was not the version she meant to have, because it changed the content of the performance. Rainbow also did a Britney Spears mix of sorts...as a parody, with "I love Cock and Balls", as one of the parody songs. Which was great, until it turned a little awkward, when Rainbow grabbed Wendy's hand and made her simulate a hand job on me.

Jujubee

There was a guy (named Brian) and his girlfriend in the audience, that every single queen gravitated to. Poor Brian got lap dances and was teased mercilessly, due to the fact that he refused to smile, throughout the whole show.  (Although, there is photo proof that he did in fact smile.)

Shaunna Rai

Lili Whiteass did a mix that started out as Elsa Mars from American Horror Story: Freak Show and ended with the 1980's version of Puttin' On The Ritz. It was great, because it showed off her tap dancing ability. And, I loved it, because of the music. (Then again, I love it when I actually know the music, to begin with.)

Rainbow Frite's Somewhere That's Green

Across the theater from Brian and Tricia, was another "couple" in matching peachy orange shirts. The guy went to lean over the railing and the railing let go, almost spilling him to the floor. I was mortified, not knowing whether to get up, or just let the show go on...I did nothing, but watched him retake his seat, and NOT lean on the railing again.

Lili Whiteass

Sitting next to me, in the front row were a couple of young girls, who didn't look old enough to be there. (They were in their early teens.) At some point, I became a point of interest,  because they were told that I was Shaunna Rai's "husband".

The show flew by, and before I knew it, it was over. As usually happens at the end of a show,  I checked out back, to see if I was needed for anything. I was asked to take a couple of backstage pictures of the entire cast of the show, then, I undid Shaunna's corset, and then headed upstairs for the Meet and Greet.

Cherry Lemonade

Unlike last year, when we went to the Gaslight,  the Meet and Greet was held right at the Seacoast Rep.  There were a lot of familiar faces, looking to get their pictures taken with Jujubee. And there were quite a few new faces.

Shaunna Rai performs Donna Summer's
Last Dance

The photographer in me was having a meltdown, because I wasn't getting every picture with every queen, buy I tried my hardest to get as many as possible. At least until Jujubee made her appearance,  at which time, I decided that the reason I was there was for the pictures with Jujubee, and pretty much followed her around snapping pictures until I had made it through everyone waiting.

I always get my picture taken with the Rupaul girls, when I get the chance. But, for whatever reason, I got so into the zone of taking pictures and handing out my handwritten business cards explaining that the pictures would be on my Facebook page for the blog, that I forgot to get my picture with Juju. I'm half tempted to photoshop myself into someone else's picture...

Rainbow Frite as
Morticia Addams

After the Meet and Greet fizzled out, and everyone was pretty much gone, I went back downstairs to see what was ready to get loaded into the car. I had to pretty much sit on the suitcase to close it, but, it was ready.

 I finally, officially met Jujubee's fiance, Chris. I say officially, only because I'd seen him before at shows, but never been formally introduced.  I walked out with them, and said goodbye, then headed back in to get the rest of Shaunna's stuff, and see how Cherry was coming with hers.

Bunny Wonderland and the Bad Idea Bears
from Avenue Q.

On the way back from the car, I finally found my shirt.  Apparently, because Avenue Q was playing before the Midsummer Night Queens show, someone assumed that the shirt belonged to one of the Avenue Q cast members, and so it just got stuck out back.  I could finally stop panicking that I had lost my shirt.

Jujubee

Once the car was loaded, we went out so that Cherry and Shaunna could have a drink, before we hit the road. One drink turned to two, and then it hit me, that I had to work a long day,  the next day.  We hit the road, and stopped in Kennebunk to get some food at the Burger King. While waiting for the food, Cherry decided to try to climb into the gazebo in the middle of the food court...while Shaunna took pictures. And the clerk at the counter couldn't stop laughing.

Finally, Dan (Shaunna) and I made it home. I realized how much further north Lewiston is from Portland, after dropping off Cherry in Portland, and helping bring his stuff up to his apartment. The last leg of the trip was killer. We finally made it home at about 3:30am, just in time for me to get to sleep before work.

Back:Shaunna Rai, Lili Whiteass, Rainbow Frite, Jujubee
Front: Bunny Wonderland, Cherry Lemonade.

It was a great start to the season. I think I loved it more than last year's incarnation. And, not just because it started with "my girlfriend," as Dan has been teasing me.  And, it's nice to be able to say, "Hey,  I know them!" and not feel like I'm being pompous, because I actually do know Jujubee...just not Airline. (Dan knows them both, and was told to call or text any time that we're in Boston, to see if they're around.) Which,  I think is totally cool.

There's No Place Like Home...

The last few months have been a whirlwind.  I've missed blogging about so many events, and, I'm not sure that I could keep up, even if I tried.

May was full of the Southern Maine AIDS Walk, Dragapalooza (and I feel like there was something else...)  June was full of Pride stuff.   July was all about moving.  August has been about settling in, loss, and the beginning of a second run of the Midsummer Night Queens show in Portsmouth.  September is going to be about my brother's wedding, and a night to "Remember the Underground" (the previous incarnation of Styxx in Portland...before I was "allowed" to go out to the gay bars, so before my time...)

The AIDS Walk was three days of awesome.  Porcia Chanel and Scarrlett Couture came from New Hampshire, and spent the weekend in Ogunquit with us.  As usual, because they were essentially, new people, to me, I was kinda freaked out.  But, they made me feel like I belonged there, which is always a big thing for me.  The fundraising part of the Walk bypassed last years $100,000, which will go to benefit the Frannie Peabody Center, and all the work that they do with local people who are coping with HIV/AIDS and the struggles that come with it.  And, as it always does, the weekend itself makes me proud to know the people who I know, because they make me strive to be a better, more understanding person.

Dragapalooza was a huge show this year.  Like 39 numbers, or something like that.  As always, it was a fundraiser for Lewiston/Auburn Outright, and there were quite a few student entries, in conjunction with the professionals.  A couple of returning acts from last year. I'd brought two cameras, because I knew that I was going to need them, for pictures...and I wasn't wrong.  I drained the batteries from both cameras before the end of the show.  (Which, prompted me to go Ebay shopping, and bought myself two extra rechargeable batteries for my good camera, for less than I could buy them in an actual store.)

1920's Steve and Shaunna Rai
Photo by Steven Bridges

June started off with the Great Gatsby party, to kick off Pride.  It was a great time.  I looked like a cross between Mario and a News Boy from the 20's...Apparently, I can't pull off a mustache properly, and should probably just give it up...

Shaunna Rai and Miss E,on were asked to perform for a cruise out on Portland Harbor.  In spite of the fact that I am deathly afraid of drowning, I went, and had an amazing time.

I came thisclose to actually getting to go to Pride, but stupidly decided that I needed to work that day.  The closest that I got was that I drove by the set up sites, while everything was getting set up for the parade...and then I got to drive by the park at the end of the afternoon, when things were starting to be taken down.  I think I learned my lesson.

Dan and Ariel

July was the month that I didn't expect to make it through.  The old apartment had begun to leak, badly, in places that it shouldn't have been leaking, especially, since it was in the ceiling of the second floor of a three story building... Dan and I ended up in a time crunch, and I'll just leave it at there being a lot of yelling.  Things have since calmed down.  But, it was a very stressful time.

August sadly, marked the passing of Ariel Maranda Gibbs.  She's one of the few people who Dan/Shaunna talked about a lot, who I never actually met.  When things calm down, I would like to talk to a few people about her, so that I can get some idea of who she really was, and give her a nice "send off."

We're finally getting settled into the new place in Lewiston.  Dan has a car of his own again, for the first time in three years.  And, although it's had a couple of issues, he appears to be less stressed out than he has been in a long time.  Shaunna Rai's drag rooms are still in transition (no pun intended) as Shaunna is still half packed away.  I've claimed myself a corner of the garage for doing my own thing.  I have my drafting table set up for drawing, a 300 disc CD changer set up for music (that I need to update with some newer drag-ish music), and more space than I will be able to use...at least when the car(s) aren't parked in it.

Which brings us to the Midsummer Night Queens.  Last year was a blast...Manila Luzon, Jessica Wild and Joslyn Fox, along with Bunny Wonderland, Shaunna Rai and Miss E,on.  Tonight, August 16th, starts the Ru-Turn...another three part, weekly show.  It starts off with Jujubee (one of my favorites), and will feature Joslyn Fox (week 2) and BenDeLaCreme (week 3), along with Bunny Wonderland, Shaunna Rai, Lili Whiteass, Rainbow Frite, and Cherry Lemonade.  I will again be taking pictures of the three evenings, and am looking forward to sneaking a little bit of backstage time with the queens, to say hi, and geek out...(and hopefully creep BenDeLaCreme out less than I did when I met her after the BOTS tour.)

So, that's been the summer, in a nutshell.  I'll get back in the swing of things.  And, hopefully, be less stressed out about everything.  I managed to get a new job, where it's highly likely that I will have weekends off, and be able to do more with weekend shows...and have a life, like a real person, in a normal job...

Midsummer Night Queens: A Ru-turn

Last year was so much fun they decided to do it again. I can't wait.  As usual, I will be there with my camera for Jujubee, Joslyn Fox and BenDeLaCreme. Hope to see you there starting August 16th.

Who Are You? (I Really Wanna Know)

The best advice that I've ever heard given to anyone, is "Be the best you, that you can be."  It's so simple, that it takes very little thought to get the meaning.  Over the last few years, I've actually heard a number of "newer" queens say that they got this tidbit of advice from Shaunna Rai.

Like with any good actor, a drag queen has a character that they play.  You design your act around the character, and you dress and accessorize accordingly.  Surprisingly, though, many of the queens that I know, don't really know who they are.  And, it shows.

My first time in drag, I didn't have a name, but
I had a character...a hairy chested Britney Spears wannabe.
(Because I forgot to shave my chest.)

Why don't you know who you are?

You're on your third name, and you expect people to know who you are?  Your face changes every time you perform, but yet, you don't think that you look any different?  You're on stage, and you look like you want to run and hide in the furthest corner of the building.  What's going on?  But, I have no drag family...

I get it.  Drag is hard.

You're on your third name, because you didn't like the first two.  I get that.  But, every time that you change your name, you have to expect there to be an adjustment period, when people are going to get used to your new name.  I can think of at least three queens that I know, whose names have changed, since I've known them.  In all three cases, I agree with them, that the new name is more fitting than the previous names.  But, people are still going to refer to them as their previous name(s).  The longer you've had a name, the harder it's going to be to break people of calling you by that name.  If I decide today that I'm going to change my name to Willis (for the sole purpose of making sure that people will say, "Whatchu talkin' 'bout, Willis?") it's going to take forever for it to take hold.  Especially with anyone who has known me for the majority of my life.  To them, I will always be Steve, and never be Willis.

Spice Andrews was a pretty girl, who sang live.  And, had
no self-confidence.  I was terrified.  I got halfway through
my song, before I realized that mic wasn't even on.  And
was told later, that the number was better when the mic
was off.  Not a great way to get introduced to doing drag.

You want to look like Nina Flowers.  You want to look like Raven.  You want to look like Tammie Brown.  You do realize that none of them look like the other?  They're completely different looks.  It's great to be able to have the looks in the bag, if there's a reason for them.  It's good to play with different looks, to see what looks best on you.  Play around with your makeup to tutorials on YouTube.  But, figure out who your character is.  Work with your face, and get the look how you want it.  Then, you can take a piece of Nina and a piece of Raven and a piece of Tammie.  But, if you show up for a show once looking like Raven, and the next time, looking like Tammie, and the next, looking like Nina, nobody's going to recognize you.  Unless the character that you're portraying, in drag is a chameleon, your face probably shouldn't change as often as your underwear.

So, you settled on a character.  You settled on a face, and you've made it into a show.  Congratulations!  The hard parts over, right?  Well, not really.  You see, from the perspective of someone who goes to A LOT of drag shows, the audience can tell if you're not comfortable.  I'm a horrible person to be around, when I watch a performance with no confidence level.  If you look like you're going to pass out, or are trying to decide whether to run away or not, I'm going to be able to tell, and you'll probably be able to tell that I can tell, by whatever is written on my face.  (I have no poker face.  Unlike Lady Gaga, "You can read my, can read my poker face...")  When you hit the stage, even if you're terrified, Fake It.  The more the audience thinks that you're comfortable doing, whatever it is that you do, the better it is for everyone.  I'm more apt to talk about how amazing you were if I know it's your first show, and you rock it out, than I am, if you've been doing drag for years, and look like you would rather be anywhere else than where you are.  If you look scared, etiquette says that I tell you you did great, and pretend like I didn't know how horrible it was for you.

So, your drag mother made you up, and then dropped you on the doorstep of a bar, and took off, never to be heard from again.  What's a girl to do?  She creates her own family, of course.  The gay community tends to do this a lot anyway.  So, follow the lead.  Drag mother did you up once, and then pushed you out of the nest, with a wig, lipstick and a dress?  Meet others in the area.  A word of advice though, if you're asking them for help, don't expect all of it to come for free.  Drag is an expensive hobby job.  You get what you pay for.  Every time you ask the fishy queen to help you out, and expect her to do it for free, it's probably not going to happen.  That's how you force people away, quickly.  And, when you have someone who will do it for free, they're not always going to be doing exactly what you want.  So, be careful what you wish for, because, quite frankly, you could end up getting it, and it won't be quite what you wanted.

When Dan did my makeup, there was no character
as I was just a model.  But, a Kathy Griffin look ended
up emerging at the end, after trying on a few different
wigs.

And, if someone is kind enough to take the time to help you out, get you into a show, or whatever, be respectful of them.   Nothing will get you blacklisted faster than having a pro get you, the new queen in town into a show, and then having you cancel an hour before the show.  And, if you've been doing drag for a minute, and you're being helped by someone who's done it for 20 years or more, at least do them the honor of listening to them, without trying to tell them what they're saying.  It stands to reason, and shouldn't have to be said, but it is amazing how many new queens think that they know more than their predecessors.  (Hint:  You really don't.  Hell, I really don't, either.)

  This is just stuff that I've gleaned off people in the last few years.  Thank you to Shaunna Rai and Cherry Lemonade for contributing most of this stuff in conversations we've had.  And, whether you're an old pro, or new to the scene, take each other into consideration.  Newbies are going to be looking for someone to take them under their wings, and teach them everything there is to know about drag.  And the old pros are going to more often than not give the help that's being requested of them, but if there's no respect for what's being passed along, that fountain of knowledge is going to dry up, and then you have to start the search for it all over again.

But, what do I know, I'm just a drag husband.

Feel free to share this, or to follow it, or to ignore it. Do what you like with it.



And, wherever you are in your journey through drag, just know that you've got someone out there rooting for you.

An Evening With Danielle Dior

The host for the night,
Danielle Dior.

So, the night started out with me in a panic, that I wasn't going to make it to the show.  It was pretty much, in my mind, a case of, I wish I'd known sooner.

When I finally left work, on time, for once, it was with the expectation of arriving back in Portland at the end of the show, with nothing to do, but go home and go to bed.  The drive was long and boring.  And, finally, I made it back to Portland...where the roads were iffy, because we were still digging out from a storm that left a couple feet of snow.

Madame Sheena

I got to Styxx and Shaunna Rai was there, talking with a couple of people that we know.  I got a drink, and proceeded with talking about my frustrating day at work, with a co-worker, who had a hard time keeping track of residents. And, I was reminded that I smile, a lot.  My parents came up in conversation, about how accepting and supportive they are.

Lo and behold, the show had yet to start.  By the time the announcement was made that the show would be starting in five minutes, I think I'd gone through half my drink... Cherry Lemonade made a point of welcoming me to the show...and it made me smile, because who doesn't like a personal "Thanks for coming."

Cherry Lemonade in an Adore
Delano inspired look.

I'd smuggled my camera in, because, well, that's what I do.  I'm the picture guy.  And, for whatever reason, I want to document the drag that I see.  They're all the Candy Darlings, to my Andy Warhol.  (If you don't get the reference, Google it.)

The show started, and I had to say, it was a little odd to me.  Danielle is a Blackstones girl.  I hear, back in the day, when Styxx was the Underground, that Danielle was there a lot.  But, as long as I've known Danielle, it's been rare to see her out at Styxx, much less, performing there.  Danielle always starts the show off, with a thank you to us, the audience, for being there, and then goes into her first number.

Danielle Dior

Shaunna commented that she loved Danielle's outfit, and Cherry Lemonade came over and sat with us for a few minutes, before heading to the back to get ready for her number.

Madame Sheena was up next. I always enjoy her performances...although, my camera, doesn't as much.  She's a fast mover, and the camera tends to have a hard time focusing on her.

Madame Sheena

Cherry Lemonade came out for her number, looking like Adore Delano.  I loved the look.  She used the cage on the dance floor in her number.  At the end of the number, she took the mic, and reintroduced Danielle, for her second number.

Cherry Lemonade working
the Stripper Pole

Sheena came back out for her second number, and Cherry was back out for her second number.  This was one of the more memorable numbers for the night, because, well, the Stripper Pole.  While there was no upside down hanging, Cherry worked the pole, and I was happy to see that I got some cool pictures of it.

Danielle as Liza Minelli

Danielle came out for her next to last number.  I was a little disappointed, because initially, the DJ started playing the Madonna version of "Don't Cry For Me, Argentina," in error.  The correct song was actually a Liza medley.

Madame Sheena

At this point in the show, I was apparently, in the photo zone.  Why do I say that?  Well, for one, I'd taken probably 1100 pictures at this point.  (I took advantage of the settings that I'd found before the last show.)  But, apparently, at some point, about halfway through the number, there was a wardrobe malfunction.  When editing the pictures later, I was very much distracted by Danielle's nipple staring me in the face in about 100 pictures or so.

Danielle Dior

Sheena did one more number, and Danielle came out for her final number.  And, just like that, the show was over.

I sometimes wonder if the shows actually go so fast for the performers as they do for me.  I think part of it has to do with the fact that I'm focused on things, usually, other than enjoying myself.  (Not that I give up the enjoyment of the show, for the pictures, because that's totally not the case.)  I'm just usually more in the zone of point and shoot, than watch, tip, enjoy, repeat.

But, I have to admit, sometimes it pays off to be the guy who zones out by taking pictures.  On the way out, I mentioned to Josh (the bar owner) that I had taken a ton of pictures.  He told me to make sure to post them, and he'd make sure that next time I was there, I got a drink or two on the house, as payment.  Not a bad deal, for something that I would've done for free anyway.

They Tried to Make Her Go to Rehab...

Back in July, American Idol held auditions, here in Portland.  My friend Conor (Cherry Lemonade), went to the auditions.  From there, the trail went cold.  Conor wouldn't talk about how he did on the audition...and then there was a random trip to Kansas City, MO.

I've known for a while, that he was at least going to be on air.  I don't really know much more than that.

For the last week or so, Cherry has been in the midst of a media blitz.  Radio interviews, TV interviews, newspaper articles, and even a write up in an online article through INSTINCT magazine.

Thursday night, the second night of the premiere, was the first night of the Kansas City auditions.  Cherry had spent the week promoting a viewing party at Styxx.  For once, my schedule worked in my favor, and I was going to be able to go.

About 7:30 pm, we left to go to Styxx, just to make sure that we were going to get a seat, and be ready for the start of the show.  Cherry was mingling with her adoring fans, making sure that everyone knew how grateful she was that we were all there.

Given the fact that Cherry has been doing shows over the last few months, and has a few coming up in the next few months, talk turned to the upcoming shows, and the possibility of getting into some shows in Boston, in addition to the shows at Fran's Place.  Cherry told us about how that morning, 4 minutes into what should have been a radio interview, she was just waking up, and how non-stop all day, there were interviews, here, there and everywhere.  And, then, she was off again, mingling.

We grabbed our seats, in the alcove, by the DJ booth, in the front room.  As it got closer to show time, people came streaming in.  The guest list was pretty much a who's who of Portland.  For once, there were more people that I knew, at the bar, than that I didn't know.

Me with Cherry Lemonade

  We put ourselves in the perfect spot, apparently.  The TV screen was in front of us.  The TV crew from WGME, Channel 13, the CBS affiliate in Portland was parked outside, but the camera man was literally directly behind us...he asked us if we minded being recorded. And, I ended up on tv, so obviously, I didn't mind.  And, Cherry was back and forth in the DJ booth, all night, so we got the best of everything.

Of all the days, to not think before the show started, I forgot my camera at home.  I asked Cherry for a picture, to which she asked, "Will it end up in Dragged to the Inside?" It's cool to know that one of "my" queens is actually hoping that I'll write about her event.  

Our new friend the Camera Guy,
 in blue

The show started, and people quieted down.  Cherry gave a play by play, on some of the singers.  She revealed that each person was asked to prepare three songs to sing for the judges.  She also revealed that there were two other Mainers who made it to the "out of state" auditions, and that both of them had been invited to the event, to perform live.

Halfway through the show, it was still Nashville, and I began to wonder if we were actually going to see Cherry on tv...  And then, cuteness happened.  Conor, Cherry's male alter ego, would probably be able to give me names, because I'm bad about remembering names, but, I remember events...A mother came on to audition, and brought on her little girl.  The daughter sang "Let it Go" from Disney's Frozen, and I started tearing up, when JLo give the little girl a golden ticket (a feat that is usually only accomplished by watching Titanic. RENT or Philadelphia).

Cherry talking about the show

During commercial breaks, Cherry would alternate between showcasing local singing talent, and sharing stories about what it was like going through the audition process, occasionally jumping behind the bar to help keep up with the bartending duties.

At one commercial break, I checked my Facebook, and that was when I found the blip about Cherry on INSTINCT's page.  After freaking out about how cool it was, and reposting, I ran out to let Cherry know that she had made it as far as a National Gay Magazine's viewership, and since it was on Facebook, that meant international...

Finally, the Kansas City auditions started.  The stakes were getting higher.  This is the right city.  Each time a contestant finished, the next one could be Cherry.

Yeah, I might've taken a pic
of the heckler...

Unfortunately, for my little camped out group, this also became the time, when we received a big distraction from the show.  Around this time, a girl came in, who, most decidedly, is not a fan of, "What?! American Idol? The worst show ever..." and some choice expressions of disgust toward the show.

At this point, it was time for another drink.  Cherry had Cherry Lemonades as a special for the night, and I figured that since I've tried Shaunna Rai's Shaunna Rai drink, it was only fair.  Unlike Shaunna's Jaeger, Grey Goose and Redbull, Cherry's Cherry vodka and Lemonade was right up my alley.  It made the heckler just a little more bearable...or, maybe it made the responses to the heckler from Dan just a little funnier.

And then, the show was over.  And, Cherry wasn't on it.

There was disappointment, because, hey, we're all here to see Cherry. But, really, it wasn't Cherry's fault that the information she was given was that Kansas City would be on on Thursday... So, poor Cherry, apologized profusely, inviting everyone back for Wednesday's show, because that episode will also feature the Kansas City auditions, so she should be on that episode, and we should find out then, whether she got the Golden Ticket to Hollywood.

This is just my personal speculation, at this point, that she actually did get the Golden Ticket, because, to me, it wouldn't make as much sense to have a viewing party, if she knew she'd gotten the boot...

While this week, my schedule worked out, for the viewing party, Wednesday's schedule is not going to do the same.  Fortunately, I work in a home, so I can claim the TV while I do my paperwork, at 8pm.  But, it won't be the same as it would be if I were watching from Styxx.