Drag Queens (Female Illusionists) have had a long history on the stage long before Rupaul's Drag Race came to the screens of of the world. In the late 1800's Drag Queen as a term is speculated to have come from the dragging of their victorian garb and the queen was at the time a derogatory word used against the LGBTQA Community.
Brigham Morris Young was known as Madam Pattrini, Accounts to her falsetto was so convincing no one doubted Madam Pattrini. Drag was a popular and acceptable form of theater in London.
We asked our resident drag historian Lady J Martinez she states -
"Drag doesn't have a clear "big start" but rather several times that it comes in and out of favor in the mainstream. In the 30s drag became hugely popular for a very short handful of years."
So, It seems that like Rupaul today there was some great names in drag at the time and the biggest is speculated to be Julian Eltinge
shown here on this video. He toured simply as "Eltinge" which left his sex unknown and his act included singing, dancing and quick costume changes in a variety of female roles, including a Gibson Girl-like role called "The Sampson Girl".
We asked our resident drag historian Lady J Martinez she states -
"Drag doesn't have a clear "big start" but rather several times that it comes in and out of favor in the mainstream. In the 30s drag became hugely popular for a very short handful of years."
So, It seems that like Rupaul today there was some great names in drag at the time and the biggest is speculated to be Julian Eltinge
shown here on this video. He toured simply as "Eltinge" which left his sex unknown and his act included singing, dancing and quick costume changes in a variety of female roles, including a Gibson Girl-like role called "The Sampson Girl".
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Per Lady J Martinez when she was asked about the transition of drag then to know she states-
"Drag's transition to where it is today is extraordinarily complicated, but a simple way to sum it up for a short piece like this would be to say that where drag in the 30s came out of vaudeville and burlesque and nightclubs, now drag takes its influences from everything from pop culture,
Las Vegas showgirls and burlesque to underground art, punk aesthetics, and ironic send up's of pop culture that often celebrate the campy aspects of something while also critiquing and satirizing politics. It's so much more complicated than this"- Says Lady J Martinez
"Drag's transition to where it is today is extraordinarily complicated, but a simple way to sum it up for a short piece like this would be to say that where drag in the 30s came out of vaudeville and burlesque and nightclubs, now drag takes its influences from everything from pop culture,
Las Vegas showgirls and burlesque to underground art, punk aesthetics, and ironic send up's of pop culture that often celebrate the campy aspects of something while also critiquing and satirizing politics. It's so much more complicated than this"- Says Lady J Martinez
"Drag continued to be an underground staple specially in Cleveland nightlife, Where Erica Martinez remembers using cassettes, records and 8-tracks to play her music when she began in the 80s in clubs here in the city"
Erica Martinez has over 40+ pageant crowns from her time in the competition circuit, Erica loves old school glamour and as you can tell from the hair to the costume is full fantasy!.
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Erica Martinez started Drag In June of 1987, Her drag career started in a small bar called The 1504 Club in Lorain, Ohio. Drag then Vs Now was unique as she says "Many years ago it was much harder to be a drag queen than it is today. Today it is easier for the entertainers because of the resources that are available with today's technology. They are able to go onto YouTube and find make up tips, learn how to do wigs, and costume ideas. It is easier to swap costumes with other entertainers today. Back when I started drag we did not have the technology that we have today. We did not have Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or any other forms of internet media. We had to local Gay Magazine that would advertise for the shows at that time."
She continues to add that she feel what makes a drag queen timeless is staying true to who you are as an entertainer. However, it is important that you stay with today times as far as music, fashion etc. However, I feel that you should never lose the character and the uniqueness that has made you the entertainer that you work so many years to become. At the same time I feel that it is important that you reinvent yourself as time passes, but still maintain the type of drag queen you have worked so hard to become. I consider myself to be the old school glamour drag, but tie in the trends of today to remain timeless as an entertainer.
She continues to add that she feel what makes a drag queen timeless is staying true to who you are as an entertainer. However, it is important that you stay with today times as far as music, fashion etc. However, I feel that you should never lose the character and the uniqueness that has made you the entertainer that you work so many years to become. At the same time I feel that it is important that you reinvent yourself as time passes, but still maintain the type of drag queen you have worked so hard to become. I consider myself to be the old school glamour drag, but tie in the trends of today to remain timeless as an entertainer.
Veranda L'Ni's first time on stage was because of the keen eyes of two very talented Cleveland legends: Twiggy Morgan and Melissa Ross. They spotted her one Halloween as Elvira and asked if she had ever done a drag show and then encouraged her to step into the spotlight. And the rest, as they say, is history. From 2008 till today, Veranda has had a whirlwind of an adventure in drag. Being Cleveland's TALLEST drag entertainer at 7 feet tall, she towers over any room with smile and a laugh. One of her most noted accomplishments, that highlights her commitment to the community, is Drag Bingo. This event helps raise awareness and money for local non-profit organizations. In over 5 years, Drag Bingo has raised over $50,000 to which Veranda received a proclamation from the City of Cleveland recognizing her efforts
 | What do can you tell us about drag then vs now? - Since the introduction of RuPaul's Drag Race, the state of drag has change dramatically. What was once old school drag has now morphed into a social media driven need to be famous. I think we all crave the limelight and the applause of the audience, just like any actor. You have to be quicker, more creative than the next and have a very distinct style, otherwise you get overshadowed by the masses. What do you think makes a drag queen timeless? - Knowledge. Honoring the past. Learning why Stonewall is important, who Charles Pierce is and what else happened before Drag Race. This knowledge will help mold your persona. and make you a more respectful of the Art that is drag! |
Ginger Breadhaus started drag December 2014 at a Christmas show, Her favorite time of year. Her name says it all is a sugary sweet Christmas treat!
As for how drag has changed from then to now? She says "I think drag is always changing! With drag, everything is off limits, the possibilities are endless! But even with all the change, there is still so much tradition and culture that still holds strong today!"
What do you think makes a drag queen timeless?
A timeless drag queen is someone who has a signature look, style and/or way of performance. You need something that someone is going to remember! Also hardworking, confident and commited. If you are not going to care about your drag, why should anyone else!
As for how drag has changed from then to now? She says "I think drag is always changing! With drag, everything is off limits, the possibilities are endless! But even with all the change, there is still so much tradition and culture that still holds strong today!"
What do you think makes a drag queen timeless?
A timeless drag queen is someone who has a signature look, style and/or way of performance. You need something that someone is going to remember! Also hardworking, confident and commited. If you are not going to care about your drag, why should anyone else!
When Did You Start Drag?
I started drag December 2014 at a Christmas show, my favorite time of year. I mean my name is a sugary sweet Christmas treat!
How has Drag Changed from then to now?
As for how drag has changed, I think drag is always changing! With drag, everything is off limits, the possibilities are endless! But even with all the change, there is still so much tradition and culture that still holds strong today!
What makes a Drag Queen Timeless?
A timeless drag queen is someone who has a signature look, style and/or way of performance. You need something that someone is going to remember! Also hardworking, confident and commited. If you are not going to care about your drag, why should anyone else!
I started drag December 2014 at a Christmas show, my favorite time of year. I mean my name is a sugary sweet Christmas treat!
How has Drag Changed from then to now?
As for how drag has changed, I think drag is always changing! With drag, everything is off limits, the possibilities are endless! But even with all the change, there is still so much tradition and culture that still holds strong today!
What makes a Drag Queen Timeless?
A timeless drag queen is someone who has a signature look, style and/or way of performance. You need something that someone is going to remember! Also hardworking, confident and commited. If you are not going to care about your drag, why should anyone else!
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The Queens Of Weird!
Gidget Von Addams and Discord Addams have been keeping Akron Weird for some time at The Interbelt Nightclub with their Addams Family Values Show on Wednesday Nights.
Their esthetic from darker inspirations, club kid culture and at heart they are rockstars.
Discord Addams has been doing drag for 4 years and has been making a name for her self and her partner Gidget Von Addams. They have both made appearances in WOW Presents shows on LOGOTV for Transformations with James St James and Couples for Cash.
Gidget Von Addams and Discord Addams have been keeping Akron Weird for some time at The Interbelt Nightclub with their Addams Family Values Show on Wednesday Nights.
Their esthetic from darker inspirations, club kid culture and at heart they are rockstars.
Discord Addams has been doing drag for 4 years and has been making a name for her self and her partner Gidget Von Addams. They have both made appearances in WOW Presents shows on LOGOTV for Transformations with James St James and Couples for Cash.
Akashia has been seen in Season 1 of The hit Rupaul's Drag Race. The show that is credited to have launched drag to the revived the drag movement. Akashia has been touring about the states representing Rupaul's Legacy and with the episodes re airing the fans are getting familiar with this queen. A lot has changed since Season 1 of Drag Race for Akashia she has involved her love of comics and started cosplaying female characters like Storm among other.
She is a a regular at shows at Bounce Nightclub, Liquid,
Aura Ultra Lounge Cleveland.
She is a a regular at shows at Bounce Nightclub, Liquid,
Aura Ultra Lounge Cleveland.
This is not all of Cleveland's Drag Scene there is fantastic shows at Bounce, Cocktails, Liquid, Aura, interbelt among other LGBTQA Bars. Why is this showcase so different?
Since the laws changed in Cleveland there is close to no drag available to 18 to 20 year olds, The only drag for under 18 is at Collage showcases and Pride events.
Thanks to The Beachland Ballroom and Ohio Burlesque along with Porch Porch Productions we are able to present The 1st Annual Cleveland Drag Showcase.
ALL AGES SHOW
Tickets at the door are $10.00 (adv available) with VIP tables quickly going!
Join us Saturday September 10th at 8:PM Doors - 9:PM Show
*The venue has free parking
*Food available
This Show Is Sponsored by
Deville Rhinestones
Fear's Confections
Visual Grammar
Dare2Care
The LGBT Center
JOIN US ON FACEBOOK
For Tickets On Line
Since the laws changed in Cleveland there is close to no drag available to 18 to 20 year olds, The only drag for under 18 is at Collage showcases and Pride events.
Thanks to The Beachland Ballroom and Ohio Burlesque along with Porch Porch Productions we are able to present The 1st Annual Cleveland Drag Showcase.
ALL AGES SHOW
Tickets at the door are $10.00 (adv available) with VIP tables quickly going!
Join us Saturday September 10th at 8:PM Doors - 9:PM Show
*The venue has free parking
*Food available
This Show Is Sponsored by
Deville Rhinestones
Fear's Confections
Visual Grammar
Dare2Care
The LGBT Center
JOIN US ON FACEBOOK
For Tickets On Line
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