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| Danielle Renee Phillips |
So, last night, was the benefit show, at Blackstones, to raise money for the victims of last Sunday's fire on Irving Street. With less than a week's notice, I wasn't sure what to expect for a crowd. Shaunna, Vanila, Dan, Ryan and I were promoting via Facebook, as was Blackstones.
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| Vanila Honey-Bush |
We got there early, as the show itself was early in the night. There was a good sized crowd. And, as it got closer to show time, the crowd grew a bit.
The girls mingle with the crowd, on show nights, before shows. It's an awesome way to build a fan base, and let people get to know who you are. And, to show that you're a real person under all the masking of drag. So, while the ladies were mingling, I was finding my usual seat, to get the best pictures during the show. This is normally the time, when I get all anti-social, and only talk to people I know, and avoid contact with everyone that I don't know, in hopes that they'll leave me alone. (I say that half joking, because I know subconsciously that's exactly what I do.)
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| Shaunna Rai |
For whatever reason, though, last night was a different night for me. A guy I didn't know, started chatting with me. He kinda buttered me up, and made me talk to him, by telling me that I was the best looking thing in the bar. (It was nice to hear...) I got nervous, so I immediately brought up the fact that I am not a single man. He continued the conversation, and it was a nice change. A good way to experiment with breaking out of my comfort zone. He eventually moved on, to order a drink, and continue making his way through the bar.
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| Cherry Lemonade |
It turns out, that the lady who was sitting next to me, was there in support of her brother...one of the victims of the fire. She and I spent a bit of time talking. She was impressed that the community would pull together something like this. And, said that her brother couldn't believe that the queens would put on a show, to help raise money to help him out. The final count, I believe that I heard from Dan, was $500 was raised to help out the fire victims, both from raffles, and tips that the queens received.
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| Danielle Renee Phillips |
During, and after the show, I spent some time getting to know a couple who has recently moved to Maine, who had friended Shaunna Rai on Facebook. Andy and Tommy were really good company, after the show, while Shaunna Rai was off mingling again. They were friendly, and nice. You know, all the qualities that I look for in people who I'm hoping aren't going to turn out to be ax murderers. (Just kidding. My list of qualities that I look for in an ax murderer is much, much, much longer than that.)
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| Cherry Lemonade |
I personally want to thank everyone who came out to support the show, because this is the kind of thing that helps us to remind people that we're good guys too. Aside from our witty sarcasm, and anal sex, the gay community, is known for their contributions to charitable causes. And, given that we as a community raised $500 in one night, we were on our game.
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| Shaunna Rai |
And, I want to thank Ralph, the owner of Blackstones. Every time he sees me without my camera, when I'm out with Shaunna and Vanila, he asks me where it is. This time, I actually got vouchers for free drinks. It was a very sweet gesture, given that while I do promote shows, I don't do nearly as much promotion for the bar as Shaunna and Dan do.
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| Vanila Honey-Bush |
Contrary to what usually happens, it was an early night. I had to work at 5am, so bed was calling my name. As was a gluten free half pizza, that I hadn't eaten at lunch.
