Palm Springs Life / Desert Guide / September 2010 / Camp for a Good Cause

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Camp for a Good Cause

Drag is no drag in Palm Springs. Drag artists (or drag queens, as they are affectionately known) reign over benefits and galas, raising funds for local charities, such as Camp Heartland/Christmas Foundation, Golden Rainbow Center, Animal Samaritans (and other animal welfare organizations), Desert AIDS Project, AIDS Assistance Program, and others.

Drag is an art form welcomed with open, often gloved arms, embraced by local guys who don dress, wig, makeup, and high heels, much to the delight of hometown fans and appreciative visitors. Drag devotees are young and old (one ardent fan is a 97-year-old woman), straight and gay, male and female, couples and singles, and rich and not so rich.

Over the years, the desert has spawned fabulous characters, among them Bijou (the grand dame of desert drag), Rita del Taco, Candi Samples, Shirley Ida Ho, Bobbi Drake, Heidi Ho, Delorian Chase, Sondra Von Smirnoff, Tallulah Bunkbed, Madison Avenue, Patty Wagon, Lady Ella Bow, Lady Eileen, Miss Behavin’, Church Lady, Tami Lee, Tammy WhyNott, Diamond, Pamela Springs, Fabulina Marlow Marcus, Gigi Covello, and others. And the Coachella Valley has attracted big names in the drag world, including Varla Jean Merman, Lady Bunny, and Jimmy James.

Drag is more than putting on a dress and mascara. For many, it’s a chance to help local charities raise funds. Some of the organizations and events that depend on drag include Camp Heartland/Christmas Foundation, Desert AIDS Project, AIDS Assistance Project, Golden Rainbow Center, LaLaPOOLooza, Friends of the Palm Springs Animal Shelter, Animal Samaritans, and others. Many of the “girls” are chairs and members of planning committees, and you might find a drag queen throwing out the opening pitch at a ball game or making appearances at seasonal film festivals.

It’s not easy being a drag queen. It involves elaborate jewelry and gowns — often custom made — and employs exaggerated characteristics, such as heavy makeup (drag artists devote hours applying makeup before an event), long eyelashes, short skirts, high heels, boots, wigs (think pink or lime green or orange), headdresses (Pinkie Meringue Shimmer is said to sport one 6 by 8 feet), and other fashion statements. Drag offers glitz, glitter, sequins, rhinestones, long gloves or long nails, necklaces the size of hubcaps, furs, boas, hats — a veritable cornucopia of accessories. 

Drag is especially evident during Halloween, when novices have a chance to test the waters and their wares. They strut their stuff at the Arenas Road Halloween Costume Contest and Show, produced by Bent Productions, on Oct. 31 from 6 to 10 p.m. You’ll also find them during Gay Pride weekend at the festival and parade Nov. 5-7 (www.pspride.org).

You can see female impersonators performing on a weekly basis at many Coachella Valley nightclubs and restaurants or sometimes simply dressing up for a night on the town. Some of the best places to catch a glimpse or a show include Hunters Video Bar , Toucan’s Tiki Lounge, Georgie’s Alibi, Dink’s Restaurant & Ultra Lounge, Elevation, and Blame it on Midnight.

The Players

The Troupers
Campy drag with formal gowns, work boots and beards. Some members have been doing drag for more than 30 years. www.thetroupers.com

Les Dames du Soleil
Well-known drag group, Les Dames du Soleil, help raise necessary funds at various local benefits, in particular Desert AIDS Project. Les Dames principals include Dottie DuBois and Maude Chapeau. See their star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars. Visit D.A.P. at www.desertaidsproject.org for more information on upcoming events.

Kinsey Sicks
America's favorite Dragapella Beautyshop Quartet, the Kinsey Sicks, combine a cappella singing, sharp satire, and over the top drag. For 15 years, they have presented music and comedy to audiences across the U.S. and abroad. They have had their own off-Broadway run at New York's Studio 54 and an extended run in Las Vegas. For more information visit www.kinseysicks.com.

Les Originales
This group performs several times a year at benefits and includes Aday Thomas, Crystal Glitter, Bobbi Pinn, Ginger Allen, Richard Barbaro, Tomie Harlow, Sabrina Darling.

Tommi Rose and the Playgirls
You can catch Tommi Rose and the Playgirls at Toucan’s Tiki Lounge in Palm Springs, usually on Sundays. The Playgirls include Pearl O’Wisdom, Delta Work, and Morgan. Visit www.toucanstikilounge.com for more.

Bella da Ball
Bella da Ball is a local personality of grand proportions who organizes and emcees several events and productions. Shows of note include Melissa Stratman, Gina Lola, Jersey Shore, Sheila Starr, Pinkie Meringue Shimmer, Nicky, Miss Victoria, and assorted male and female vocalists. You can usually find Bella and Co. at Dink’s Restaurant and Ultra Lounge on Thursdays. Check www.dinksrestaurant.com for more.

The Delicious Divas
Local drag troupe including Honey du Melon, Amba Goodbar, Babette d’Muir, Marina del Ray, Lady Jenna, Lauren, Stephanie, Wild Ginger Snap, and Bella da Ball. Like many other local drag performers, Delicious Divas generously donate their time and talents to local organizations.

Glamazons
This colorful tribe includes D’Manda Fortune, Jersey Shore, and Wenda Watch. Catch their performances at Elevation Nightclub (formerly Sidewinders) in Cathedral City. Wenda also does bingo on Tuesdays. Visit www.elevationnightclub.com for more.

Jersey Shore
Jersey Shore performs in Just Jersey on Mondays at Café Palette, 315 E. Arenas, in downtown Palm Springs

Michael Holmes
Michael Holmes is a reputed female impersonator who channels Judy Garland, Mae West, Carol Channing, Bette Davis, Billie Holliday, and others in The Judy Show. His show comes to the desert from time to time. Check www.thejudyshow.com to find out when and where he’ll be next.

More
Additional local drag performers include Kenny Kerr, a Las Vegas performer who appears in the desert regularly; Rickie Lee, who can be found at Georgie’s Alibi at Azul; Rudy de la Mor, known for hats and humor, often found at Azul and Toucan’s, and Chandalier, who performs in Idyllwild and internationally, including Italy and Sweden.

Special events 2010-2011

Les Dames du Soleil Annual Fall Show. Oct. 3. Renaissance Palm Springs Hotel, 888 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs. Benefits Desert AIDS Program. www.desertaidsproject.org

Drama to Drag: Provincetown History Meets Palm Springs Future. Oct. 7. Hotel Zoso Main Ballroom, 150 S. Indian Canyon Dr., Palm Springs. Live performances from The Kinsey Sicks and Les Originales. Benefits AIDS Assistance Program and Coachella Valley Repertory. www.aidsassistance.org or www.cvrep.org

Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence Invitational Bowling Classic. Oct. 15. (location TBA) www.palmspringssisters.org

Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence Luminaria Remembrance Service. Oct. 30. Memorial for AIDS victims. Arenas Rd., Palm Springs. www.palmspringssisters.org

Bent Productions Halloween Party and Costume Contest. Oct. 29-31. Block party on Arenas Rd., Palm Springs. Check www.palmspringslife.com or www.palm-springs.org for updates.

Greater Palm Springs Pride. Nov. 5-7. Palm Springs Stadium (and associated venues). www.pspride.org

Les Originales Benefit for AAP. January 2011 (date/location TBA). www.aidsassistance.org

Les Dames du Soleil Mother’s Day Show. May 15 (location TBA). www.desertaidsproject.org
 
Every attempt has been made to provide the most accurate, up-to-date information. However, we suggest checking www.palmspringslife.com on a regular basis and contacting venues and organizations throughout the year to confirm show dates, times, etc.