A Colorful Feast of Queer Delight

Geena Hayze, Koko Starr, and D. Ann Eh! at The Barbershop Bar on January 14, 2024.

Babes Who Brunch Review

This past Sunday, The Barbershop Bar in Windsor, Ontario, transformed into a haven of glitter and glamour as Koko Starr Events presented "Babes Who Brunch" Hosted by the dazzling trio of Koko Starr, Geena Hayze, and D.Ann Eh!, the event promised not only a delectable meal but also a feast for the senses with three rounds of mesmerizing drag performances.

Koko Starr's Dazzling Delight:

Koko's First Number: With an infectious energy, Koko set the stage ablaze with Ariana Grande's "Break Free." Dressed in a magenta and green color block jumpsuit, complete with frilly disco sleeves, Koko served signature glam. The classic Koko look, paired with a beat that could rival anyone's mother, kicked off the afternoon with a bang.

Koko's Second Number: Drenched in sherbet colors, Koko's second act, to Tate McCray's "Greedy," was a visual delight. Sporting hues of yellow, magenta, and orange, she kept the vibe vibrant and on-brand. It was a reminder of those hot summer nights we all yearn for.

Koko's Third Number: Hilary Duff's "Come Clean" ushered in Koko's classic water-pouring spectacle. In a hot pink ensemble with a diamond-edged belt, Koko once again left us eagerly anticipating summer repeats of this crowd-favorite moment.

D.Ann Eh!'s Nostalgic Magic:

D.Ann Eh!'s First Number: D.Ann Eh! kicked off with Lizzo's "About Damn Time," donning a black sequin body-hugging dress and rainbow hair. The performance set a sassy tone for the afternoon.

D.Ann Eh!'s Second Number: Miley Cyrus' "Flowers" brought forth a living, breathing queer version of Mrs. Frizzle. Complete with an education-themed dress and orange hair, D.Ann Eh! took us on a nostalgic ride down memory lane. A visit from a poster version of Bill Nye added a whimsical touch to this delightful performance.

D.Ann Eh!'s Third Number: In a dramatic turn, D.Ann Eh! donned an Elsa-inspired ensemble for "Let It Go" from Frozen. The icy blue gown, snowflake tights, and Elsa wig created a magical winter wonderland, leaving the audience in awe.

Geena Hayze's Elegant Enigma:

Geena's First Number: Geena graced the stage with Patti Lupone's "The Ladies Who Lunch." Adorned in a rose-toned body-hugging minidress and a short blondish wig, Geena exuded elegance and charm.

Geena's Second Number: "Patti Labelle - New Attitude" saw Geena in a black and magenta church lady ensemble. With a fascinating top and accessorized from head to toe, she showcased a regal demeanor, emphasizing her titles and courtly affiliations.

Geena's Third Number: For Donna Summer's "Works Hard for Your Money," Geena channeled Max from "Two Broke Girls" in a waitress outfit. Serving realness with a tray and a nail file, Geena's charisma and humor lit up the room.

The Ambiance and Delightful Fare:

Beyond the dazzling performances, the brunch itself was a culinary delight. Fresh fruit, omelets in phyllo, waffles with strawberries and whipped cream, and mimosas created a symphony of flavors. The Barbershop Bar, with its safe and inclusive atmosphere, provided the perfect backdrop for this drag spectacle.

In conclusion, "Babes Who Brunch" was not just an event; it was a celebration of queerness, talent, and community. Koko Starr Events, with their impeccable curation, once again proved that drag is not just an art form but a transformative experience that brings people together in joyous celebration. Until the next brunch, Windsor awaits the next chapter of this dazzling saga.

Babes Who Brunch presented by Koko Starr Events

Next Event: Sunday, February 4, 2024, at The Barbershop Bar in Windsor, Ontario.

Hosted by Koko Starr, with special guest Juice Boxx from Canada’s Drag Race season 1. Featuring spotlight performance by Belle Vyra.

Review by Britt Leroux
Edited by Kevin Blondin
Photos by Liana Anselmo

The Dark Carnival

a night of twisted delights

Windsor, Ontario—The autumn winds blew gloomy and fierce on the night of Friday, September 22, 2023, as I ventured deep into the heart of the city, seeking refuge from the mundane. My destination: Scarehouse Windsor (@scarehousewindsor), a dark, looming monstrosity nestled at 1441 McDougall St., promising an evening that would leave my soul twisted and my senses ravaged. It was a night they called The Dark Carnival, a spooktacular drag event that marked the commencement of the Halloween season.

At 10 pm, the doors of Scarehouse Windsor swung open, revealing a dimly lit chamber that beckoned those brave enough to venture inside. The air was thick with anticipation, an electric current that sent shivers down the spines of all who dared enter.

The motley crew of performers, each with a sinister twist, awaited us like phantoms in the night. Ariel Attack (@attackariel), known as The Anomaly, embodied a nightmarish vision of beauty and chaos, while D. Ann Eh (@d.ann.eh), The Mad Scientist, conjured up horrors that would make Mary Shelley weep. Hudson Bae (@kinghudsonbae), The Mysterious Benefactor, lured us into a web of intrigue, and Howl (@howlthebeatnik), The Contortionist, contorted their body in ways that defied the laws of nature.

But it didn't stop there. Lua (@she.is.lua), The Many-Armed Woman, a grotesque marvel, seemed to have limbs sprouting from every corner of her being. Luxy Charms (@luxycharms666), The Circus Clown, both hilarious and terrifying, kept the audience on the edge of their seats. Mercury Retrograde (@miss.mercury.retrograde), The Bearded Lady, challenged conventions of beauty and gender, and Subrina Kink (@subrina_kink), The Fortune Teller, foretold our darkest destinies with a malevolent grin.

Venom (@venomvonsnaps), The Marvelous Mime, communicated in silent horrors, leaving us with a profound sense of unease. And throughout this madness, our ringmaster, Mr. Gygglez (@ingvarfreyrson), guided us through the night's descent into madness with a devilish charisma that was both captivating and disconcerting.

At 10:30 pm, the performances began, and all semblance of reality melted away. It was a descent into a surreal dreamscape where nightmares danced with glee. The audience, a gang of wide-eyed thrill-seekers, was held captive by the spellbinding performances. Each act was a journey into the twisted recesses of the human psyche, a psychedelic odyssey that defied explanation.

But The Dark Carnival was more than just a spectacle of horror and wonder. It was a gathering of kindred spirits, misfits and rebels, all united in their love for the bizarre and the unconventional. As the night wore on, the line between reality and nightmare blurred.

The Dark Carnival was not just a celebration of the strange and the supernatural. It was also a force for good, a beacon of hope in a world gone mad. The event proudly supported Trans Wellness Ontario (@transwellnessontario), a testament to the power of the community to come together and make a difference.

As the night ended, reality began to reassert itself, but the memories lingered like a fever dream.

In the end, The Dark Carnival was a journey into the heart of darkness, a night of twisted delights and untamed desires. It was a reminder that in a world that often feels alien and absurd, there is beauty to be found in the grotesque, and magic in the macabre.

So, as I stumbled out into the unforgiving night, I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for this night. It was a reminder that amid chaos, there is still a place for the weird, the wonderful, and the wicked.

Goodnight, Windsor. Until we meet again in the shadows.

By Kevin Blondin (@kevinblondinsta)