Lately it seems as though many of my pals are facing their careers head-on and I couldn't be happier. Whether it's that my friend Kylie Edmond's Rock and Rawhide is now an official non-profit or that Molly Pope is making numerous appearances all over town, it's great when my artist friends are making it happen for themselves!
Add to this list the amazing n awesome Roger Yolanda Mapes (my last guest on The Will Clark Show before we moved to The Rtiz) -- he has put together the first installment of his newest creation, a drag gospel show! And it's playing one more night - Sunday June 3rd at 6:30pm at the Duplex.
The past two Sunday's Roger has been knocking it out of the park with a tune filled show featuring real gospel numbers Roger sings himself while accompianied by guitar, cello and two awesome backup singers as well as the incredible Kenneth Gartman on piano - this is two parts gospel, two parts cabaret mixed together for a delightful evening's aural confection.
Plus, there are short/bite-sized homilies on getting a better life - a product of Roger's own ministry - he graduated recently from the One Spirit Institute here in New York.
Delightfully drected by Rev. Shawn Moniger, it's a testament to the sincerity of Roger's performance that songs focusing on God don't feel campy just because Roger is dressed up in drag (and quite fabulously I might add). Plus, hey Lucie Arnaz was in the audience to give the evening a bit more fabulousness than it already had. :)
Cost is $20 plus a two drink minimum (click here for reservations) and the profits from the June 3rd show will go to benefit Sanctuary and Rev. Jane Galloway will be Roger's musical guest.
