The big outdoor sign greeted me last Sunday with “Hi Queen!” And my smile opened as wide as the Bushwig logo. Gal pal Sharon and I dodged a few raindrops and darted inside the giant tent centered on a block-long field at Onerdonk House in the Bushwick neighborhood of Brooklyn. Hundreds of happy people were already inside where the late-afternoon energy of celebration was electric.
Erika Klash performed “Rag Doll” realness at Bushwig 2015.
Wigstock, the outdoor drag and music festival created by drag icon Lady Bunny in the 1980s, inspired Bushwig, that launched its annual fun-filled weekend in 2012. This was my third time at Bushwig, and as the number of performers grew – over 150 this year – so did the love, extravagance and sass.
My 25-year-old offspring Amber Alert (a.k.a. Harry) wasn’t scheduled to go on for another two hours. So Sharon and I – both fans of RuPaul’s Drag Race – cheered all of the charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent that Bushwig queens and performers had to offer.
Mrs. Smith, rocked her Chanel suit, blue eye shadow and guitar while a volunteer from the audience displayed her “Please Help!” sign in search of kitty Carlyle, who’s been missing for two and a half years.
Kimberly Clark, a fave of this Wisconsin girl, held onto the mike while hanging off her bar stool.
Cherry Pepsi carbonated her performance with bubbles.
Bushwig co-founder Horrochata’s wig and wit were as big as ever.
Gold-covered queen Raul de Nieves shared a bit of her glam and glitter with the audience.
And natural regal beauty Charlene owned the stage and the audience between acts.
I’d warned Sharon that even though Amber had lip-synched Whitney Houston’s a cappella version of “How Will I Know” two years ago, Pink Flamingos star Divine was still her drag idol. I wasn’t sure how else to prepare my friend for Amber’s act, that featured a kiddie pool, lots of water, instant lemonade and hidden catheter bags as props. What can I say? My kid goes for shock value. And Amber Alert, always a crowd favorite, did not disappoint with Danity Kane’s “Lemonade.”
After four hours of over-the-top exuberance, Sharon and I passed the sign on our way out that read “Goodbye, Queen!” With ears ringing and covered in a dusting of gold glitter, I felt like one. In real life, though, I knew I was just the mother of one amazing and awesome queen. Bring it, Bushwig 2016! I’ll be there.
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Oh LOLOLOL. Amber is truly on Alert! I love Halloweenie all year. Sorry I wasn’t there as I would love it with no makeup or hair judgment as I’m too butch to notice all that.
Love to you both, dear cousins. In Russia there used to be the Yak Drag races. The race was never won or lost as the meaning of race was confused with color and the Yaks fit no description since they were the same color. So no Yak won the race or lost it either. There’s a goal.
Now I’m laughing at the visual of Yak Drag Races. I think there’s a guest blog opportunity for a Tarkovka family history on races of yaks in drag? xoxo
Hmmmm. Now you have me going to the Tarkovka annuls to find out about why the Northern Yaks were freedom loving and the Southern Yaks tried to enslave Wolverines which were entered in the drag races as they were quick and really vicious.
Don’t forget about the Russian Air Show each July 65th (Gregorian Calendar) when instead of any sort of aircraft, which weren’t yet invented, the oldest Yenta was thrown off the tallest church steeple. What fun!
Sometimes I just can’t keep my calendars, yentas or wolverines sorted properly!
Julie,
Sounds delightful! Nothing better than a spectacular drag show…..featuring people you genuinely love. Keep it up Julie! You deserve all the success in the world.
Larry
Aww, thanks, Larry! Maybe you’ll be a Bushwig newbie in 2016. 🙂 Julie xo
LOVE LOVE LOVE! I wish I could have been there!!!
One of these years you must come, Pam. FUN FUN FUN! xo
SO MUCH FUN!! Would love to visit in person one year, although your recaps are delightful. And the girls were certainly rocking it this year. Life is such a joy! Love to you and Amber!
It was a blast, Renee! And definitely your kind of party. Thanks for your reminder about the joy of life. Loads of love, Jxo
This sounds epic! I may have to add it to my list… just being greeted as a Queen, would be worth the admission. 😉
Yes! Put it on the list, Queen Dawn. You’d have a ball. xo