Drag brunches, dinners, cabarets and more in the Yolo-Solano-Sacramento area
By SAVANNAH BURGER—arts@theaggie.org
At a time in the world where almost everything seems hectic and negative, it’s important to be able to enjoy a respite from the stresses of daily life. Different forms of entertainment are one way we seek to decompress. Lucky for you, some of the most enthralling and hilarious forms of performance are just a short drive away.
For those who don’t know, drag shows feature professional performers called drag queens and kings, who crossdress to create a unique and dazzling caricature of gender. They often have extravagant outfits, amazing talents and unique, exaggerated makeup.
Drag events, which typically range from being open to all ages to adult-only admission, always have something to make you laugh until you fall over — be it through dance numbers, lip-syncing, stand-up comedy or endless other forms of one-of-a-kind performances. Drag shows are the home of queer freedom of expression that strive to put a smile on people’s faces.
On Saturday, Feb. 4, Solomon’s Vinyl Diner, located at 730 K St. in Sacramento, is hosting a drag brunch for patrons of all ages. The entry tickets are ten dollars, and the event is held sometime every month. Keep in mind that there are two shows on Feb. 4: one at 11 a.m. and another at 1 p.m. While you eat brunch, drag queens will weave in between tables, dancing, lip-syncing and singing. It’s extremely exciting and affordable entertainment to enjoy while having brunch with your friends or family.
If you go to Roscoe’s Bar and Burgers at 07 K St. in Sacramento, you can catch “The Velvet Revue: A Drag Cabaret Dinner Show” every Saturday at 7 p.m. This drag show, which has an entry cost of ten dollars, features a rotating cast of performers and is currently being hosted by drag queens Rose Rowzay, Khamiyah Punani, Elayna Roberts and Manni Peddi. The show is open to all ages and is the perfect entertainment to pair with dinner. Roscoe’s Bar and Burgers also has many other queer events, such as movie nights, “RuPaul’s Drag Race” viewing parties, karaoke and more.
Right in the heart of Old Sacramento, you can see the extravagant Illusions The Drag Queen Show” every Saturday and Sunday at 7 p.m. The event is 21 years and older and is located at 910 2nd St. in Sacramento. The show is a combination of comedy performances in a classic burlesque style along with a specialization in celebrity-impersonating drag queens. These queens impersonate some of the most iconic pop-culture figures in the queer community, among them being Cher, Beyoncé, Joan Rivers and Brittany Spears.
Looking for another brunch-time show? Drag brunch at The Hide-a-Way is a drag performance and brunch that spotlights local drag stars. It is happening on Sunday, Feb. 4 at 11 a.m. at The Hide-a-Way Lounge & Grill, located at 1080 Orange Drive in Vacaville. The event is 21 years and older, and general admission is $17, with beverages and food being bought separately. It’s okay if you can’t make Feb. 4; The Hide-a-Way Lounge & Grill holds a drag brunch every month, along with having a myriad other drag shows that are regularly announced on their Instagram page.
There are also other opportunities to engage in open discussion with the performers if you want an insider’s perspective on drag culture. On Friday, Feb. 2, at 10 p.m., LoLGBT+, a queer, comedy performing arts group, is holding an all-ages drag queen discussion panel called “Say YAS! – A Drag Discussion Salon & Kiki!” This panel, which is hosted by drag queen Suzette Veneti, is going to be held at the STAB! Comedy Theater at 1710 Broadway in Sacramento. Tickets to the event are ten dollars and the discussion panel will return every month if you happen to miss one. Come for an entertaining night full of drag culture you may or may not have known about.
Last on this list, on Friday, Apr. 19, the Crest Theatre on 1013 K St. in Sacramento will be hosting legendary drag queen and winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race season six, Bianca Del Rio. The famous drag queen is stopping in Sacramento on her new world company tour of her stand-up comedy special “Dead Inside.” The comedy show is appropriate for all ages and is Del Rio’s sixth-ever worldwide tour. Her set will cover political correctness, pop culture and current events with a sassy and witty edge. Tickets start at $49.50.
If you find yourself looking for something new and exciting to engage with on your time off, drag shows are a fulfilling experience where positive queer freedom and experimentation are celebrated. Take the opportunity to celebrate them and keep this sect of queer culture alive.
Written by: Savannah Burger — arts@theaggie.org
