Linn-Benton’s Second Annual Drag Show

Performers of the Drag Show
Photographer Melissa Chandler

Shakers, singers and splitters took the stage

With a tuck, pull and cinch, the second annual Linn-Benton Drag Show went off without a hitch on Friday, April 15, at 7 p.m. in the Commons Cafeteria.

Linn-Benton’s very own The Boy With Green Hair and OSU’s Beaver Royalty King Julian G String hosted this year’s drag show.

The hosts inquired from the audience how many had been to a drag show before? For almost half the audience it was their first drag show. It was very clear though that everyone was there for one reason: to have a good time.

“I wanted to come check it out,” said Matt Hoffman, an LB student. “I have a friend [performing] and here I am.”

There were performers from Albany, Corvallis, and Eugene. Some were students and others were community members who were invited to participate.

With a total of 17 performers, each performance varied from lip syncing, live singing, dance, and poetry. There were five repeat performers from the first LB drag show in 2015.

The opening act was former OSU Beaver Royalty Lucielle S. Balls performing “Hieeee” by Alaska Thunderfuck, a perfect opening for this year’s drag show to get its kick off.

Some of the performers were taking the stage for the first time included Cookie Glaciers and Dominique Noel.

After intermission The Boy With Green Hair and Miss Dharma Prada MacPherson switched things up, announcing the award winners for Outstanding Solidarity to Gender, Sexual, and Romantic Minorities. They had three winners in different categories: student, faculty member, and club. The winners received symbolic rainbow duct tape.

“We want these individuals to continue to be the adhesive that helps keep gender and sexual  minorities allies connected,” said Miss Dharma Prada MacPherson. “It’s about building the bridge between everyone.”

The winners were: LB nursing student Andrew McClain for his student support and efforts, and the Electronic Resources Librarian Jane Sandberg for her continuous initiative and campus awareness, and Human and Civil Rights Club.

After the awards the show continued with more incredible performances.

The finale was a mash up of 12 Beyoncé classics performed by Carmen Sutra, Miss Dharma Prada MacPherson, and Chelsey Mick. The choreography was created by Carmen Sutra and Miss Dharma MacPherson.

“It was a rush,” said Mick. “I was stoked when offered the chance to share the stage with two charismatic dancers. The experience was wonderful.”