On August 16th, the old Wigstock gang will take over Michael Fesco’s Sea Tea for a 4-hour cruise to recreate the past wiggy fun from Wigstock’s past. The Lady Bunny will host, emcee and perform, along with many of the event’s most celebrated acts.
It’s been over more than a decade since the last Wigstock was held. The legendary Labor Day bash attracted 30,000 revelers at it’s height and became the subject of the film Wigstock: The Movie in 1995. But after 20+ years of organizers Lady Bunny and Scott Lifshutz took a L O N G break.
Now Downtown legends Sister Dimension, HRH Princess Diandra, Flotilla Debarge, Sweetie, Sugga Pie Koko, David Ilku and Ffloyd with DJ Johnny Dynell (of Jackie 60 fame) will bring back that 90s club attitude from when Wigstock was at it’s peak. Get ready to get down to the sounds of CeCe Peniston, Ultra Nate, Crystal Waters and the sounds of the the NYC 90s.
Linda Simpson will show her 90s Drag Explosion photo exhibit slide show with her non-stop, running commentary of Drag Herstory. According to Bunny;
“It’s basically a retelling of every time Linda was sober enough to pull out a camera and snap it during her My Comrade days with pics of every queen from RuPaul to trans model Page…”
So, why revive a Wigstock-themed event now? Bunny says:
“Someone recently sent me an photo spread from the UK’s Guardian featuring Michael James O’Brien’s shots from Wigstock during the 90s, calling it ‘New York’s hair-raising 90s drag scene.’ It made me nostalgic, just as people are nostalgic for clubs which don’t only play top 40 tunes and drag acts which focus more on talent than on contouring ability. Then I got wind of a new Wigstock party in South Africa in addition to other annual events in Tel Aviv, Sweden and Melbourne, Australia and had to ask myself ‘Why should everyone else have all the fun?’ and ‘How much should I sue for?’
Everyone is always telling me ‘Bring back Wigstock!’ so this Sea Tea cruise will test the waters, literally, and relive the party on a smaller scale. This may lead to other full-scale Wigstock festivals in the future. I’ve performed on Michael Fesco’s Sea Tea in the past and this boat ride seems like the perfect way to reunite the crazy crew of very gifted performers. And to show that the Wigstock vibe is unsinkable! This cruise offers a unique opportunity to relive one of the Village’s maddest moments, since many considered Wigstock to be a hipper version of gay pride day for decades.”
The Hornblower boards at 6PM promptly, sails at 7:30PM and is back on the dock at 10PM. It departs from Pier 40 near Christopher Street. Girls please, wear wedges or sensible heels! Rock The Boat is NOT just a song and this ride is NOT suited to spikes!” Tickets are $40 in advance and $50 at Pier 40 the day of (if still available) It’s 21 and over only. There’s no VIP nothin’ and no bottle service, but the ticket includes a buffet dinner with two decks of fun. DJ Johnny Dynell on one and DC’s Ed Bailey on another. With a full on Wigstock production featuring all of the above. I’m going and I’ll give Wow readers a full report, but it ain’t the same as being there. Don’t miss the boat on this one, kids. Get your tickets here.
The post #DragHerstory: All Aboard the S.S. Wigstock! Lady Bunny & Crew Sets Sail August 16 in NYC appeared first on World of Wonder.