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.”

Drag Show 2015

Performers volunteer time to support first ever drag show

On Friday, April 17, Linn-Benton held its first drag show in the Russell Tripp Performance Theater on campus.

“It’s so awesome I can’t even believe it,” said Tim Black, Gender Sexuality Alliance club advisor.

Doors opened at 6:30 p.m. and the show started at 7 p.m. At the door tickets for students cost $5 and general admission was $6.

Current LB student Anthony Bartholomew performed under the stage name “Juliaz Wilde” and Lex Porter, former RoadRunner and current OSU student, performed under the stage name “Carmen Sutra.” There was a total of 11 performers with some performing more than once.

The LB Drag Show was hosted by LBCC student Kamran Mirza and OSU student Lucielle S. Balls. It was a fundraiser event for LBCC GSA club.

Between ticket sales, the 50/50 raffle sales, and the queer pioneer buttons sold, the GSA raised close to $756.

The show featured one performing drag king, seven queens and the spoken word. Performances ranged from lip syncing to live singing to poetry, all while embracing sexuality.

At the beginning of the show audience members were encouraged to tip the performers. During the show audience members flocked the stage with cash in hand to tip performers for a performance well done.

“We are making herstory,” said Balls.

The night’s performances were filled with debuts from Carmen Sutra, Lana Rivera, Nikita Gemini, and Lorenzo.

“Carmen's performance really wowed me, and left me in awe given how much energy she  had,” said Elizabeth Franklin, audience member.

All the way from Eugene, Ore., Faye Kit-Knightly performed two acts, “Night Work” and “Glamazon”. Both performances electrified the crowd. She volunteered her time and support for this event.

“She had an unmistakable zing, and I wanted to say ‘You go girl,’" said Larry Rollins, student.

During intermission, performers and audience members mingled in Takena Hall. During intermission, individuals could purchase “queer pioneer buttons” for one dollar and receive a $5 off coupon to Purrs’n’Wags In-Home Pet Sitting by Kat Myers. They could also purchase a 50/50 raffle ticket. The winner was to be called after intermission concluded.

The 50/50 raffle winner was Karelia Stetz-Waters, an English instructor. She won a grand total of $73, which she turned around and donated back to the LBCC GSA.

“I'd like to see the club put on more events like this,” said Stetz-Waters.

After intermission and the 50/50 winner was picked, a Q-and-A was opened to the audience. Questions asked included the member’s first drag experience, how long they have performed drag, and where else they performed.

After a show-and-tell special, the drag show ended with a curtain call. Each member of the show had a special moment in front of the crowd to be applauded for their performance and time. Boisterous applause filled the Russell Tripp Performance Theater as the show came to a close.

Upcoming Drag Show 2015

On Friday, April 17, for the very first time in Linn-Benton history, there will be a drag show held in the Russell Tripp Center on campus.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m. At the door tickets for students cost $5 and general admission is $6.

The LB Drag Show is hosted by LBCC student Kamran Mirza and OSU student Lucielle S. Balls.

“The show will be interactive, a bit raunchy and fabulous,” said Mirza.

Audience members are encouraged to show their appreciation for the performers with tips. Feel free to walk down to the stage and place money on the stage.

Performances will be a variety of dancers, poets and singers. Among the performers, there are both first-timers and experienced queens and kings. Every performer has volunteered their time to entertain.

“Performance is one part technique and three parts heart. If you have the drive to perform then you will find the way to do it,” said Balls.

Lex Porter, former RoadRunner and current OSU student, will be performing under the stage name “Carmen Sutra” and current RoadRunner Kamran Mirza will be performing under the stage name “Miss Dharma Prada MacPherson.” Twenty others will join.

The show is interactive and the audience will get a chance to ask the performers questions. There will also be a 50/50 raffle where a lucky audience member will win half the funds raised for the show. The funds raised are for the GSA, the Gender Sexuality Alliance club.

Everyone is welcome to the show. Come one come all and enjoy.