Windsor-Essex PrideFest 2024
Windsor-Essex PrideFest 2024
A Weekend of Unity, Glamour, and Celebration
WINDSOR, Ontario - Windsor-Essex Pride Fest 2024 was a resounding success, bringing together the LGBTQ+ community and allies for a weekend full of vibrant performances, joyful celebrations, and unforgettable moments. From August 9th to August 11th, the festival transformed Lanspeary Park into a haven of pride and unity, showcasing a diverse lineup of drag performances, dance parties, and community events that left attendees buzzing with excitement.
Friday Night: United Dance Party
The weekend kicked off on Friday night with the United Dance Party at Lanspeary Park, a free event that brought out the best in Windsor’s LGBTQ+ nightlife. DJ Kevin Bailey set the tone with infectious beats, while special guests Mercury Retrograde, Angelina Lepore, Hudson Bae, B. Martini, and Epoxy—who stepped in for Lua—kept the energy soaring.
Hudson Bae’s striking leather ensemble set the mood for a night of fierce fashion and dance. B. Martini, living her Pink Pony Club fantasy, delivered a show-stopping performance to Chappell Roan's "HOT TO GO," while Angelina Lepore captivated in an all-black ensemble, exuding elegance and mystery. Mercury Retrograde brought her burlesque roots to the forefront, wowing the crowd with her big Peggy Bundy red wig, leopard print dress, and fire act, which included setting her tongue ablaze. Epoxy, initially there to MC, couldn’t resist the stage and joined in with her signature blue hair and fearless attitude. The United Dance Party was a dynamic start to the weekend, setting the bar high for the events to follow.
Saturday: Queens of Pride
Saturday’s Queens of Pride event at Lanspeary Park was the festival’s crown jewel, featuring an all-star lineup of drag performers. Trinity The Tuck Taylor, from RuPaul’s Drag Race season 9 and All Stars season 4 winner, and Aimee Yonce Shennel from Canada’s Drag Race season 4 headlined the event, delivering show-stopping performances that had the audience on their feet.
The first set opened with Epoxy in striking black and white zebra stripes, followed by Vanity Affair in a hot pink and black vinyl outfit. Benz Menova teased the audience with a pole dance, while Venom Vonsnaps, with backup dancers Hudson Bae and Belle Vyra, delivered a high-energy performance. Lena Di amazed with her silver coat and electric blue dress, while Star, full of life in a skin-toned bodysuit with primary colors, dazzled the audience. Aimee Yonce Shennel brought the crowd to life in a black and lime green vinyl coat, while Trinity The Tuck seduced the audience with a slow and sultry number, leaving everyone wanting more.
The second set saw Venom Vonsnaps returning in a hot pink gown, Benz Menova in a seductive pole dance, and Epoxy in an iridescent ensemble. Star shone in a light blue blazer with shimmering tinsel, Vanity Affair made a bold statement with a black-hands-with-red-nails ensemble, and Lena Di brought high-energy dance moves in red feathers. Aimee Yonce Shennel returned in a sexy genie look, granting every audience’s wish, while Trinity closed the show with a shimmering black and red outfit, showcasing her perfect curves.
Saturday Night: GLITTERBALL
After Queens of Pride, the GLITTERBALL at Waters Edge Event Centre kept the party going. DJ Josh Karmin kept the crowd moving all night, with special performances by Van Goth, Dulce, Liquorice, and Elixia adding to the electric atmosphere.
Sunday: Pride Day and Show Your Colours Parade
Sunday’s events kicked off with the 2024 Parade: Show Your Colours, a vibrant and colorful display of community pride. Following the parade was Pride Day! at Lanspeary Park, a free admission event featuring performances by Detroit's Drag Royalty Sabin, Windsor’s Comedy Queen Mel Lucier, musical acts like Alisabeth Von Presley, Nikki Holland & the Dirty Elizabeths, Carly Thomas, Saints Down, and drag performances by Subrina Kink, Aurora Bore Alice, Daisy, Dawn Key, and Mina Gorgina.
Windsor-Essex Pride Fest 2024 was a testament to the power of community, bringing together people from all walks of life to celebrate love, diversity, and self-expression. From the United Dance Party to the Show Your Colours Parade, every event was filled with joy, laughter, and unforgettable performances, making this year’s festival one for the books.
For exclusive interviews with Trinity The Tuck Taylor, and Aimee Yonce Shennel visit the links below.
Photos and review by Kevin Blondin
A Night of Regal Splendor
A Royal Review
A Royal Affair II: Crown Jewels
Windsor, Ontario - May 24, 2024 – The Barbershop Bar was transformed into a dazzling palace on Friday night for "A Royal Affair II: Crown Jewels," a spectacular event presented by Koko Starr Events. Hosted by the ever-charismatic Koko Starr, the evening featured stellar performances by Venom Vonsnaps and a spotlight act by B. Martini, delivering an unforgettable night of glamour, charisma, and breathtaking acts.
The night began with an energetic and hilarious performance by Koko Starr. Dressed in a striking black and white ensemble with long blonde hair, Koko lit up the stage with her dance to Tate McRae's "Exes." Known for her sharp wit and bold humor, Koko didn't disappoint, making the audience laugh with her unfiltered commentary.
Venom Vonsnaps then took the stage, embodying a fierce and confident presence. The golden years have been kind to Venom, who appeared with a wine bottle, sipped a glass, and then gave a defiant performance to Willam's "Uck Foff," complete with flipping off the audience in a continuous, dramatic motion. Her boldness and charisma were truly captivating.
B. Martini's first performance of the night was nothing short of sensational. Sporting huge bouncing breasts, a red outfit, tall black boots, and long red hair, she wowed the crowd with her performance to Kim Petras' "Coconuts." After a brief wardrobe change, B. Martini returned after intermission to perform Alex Newell's "Mama Told Me," still dressed in red but without the breastplate, adding a humorous touch with her turkey, mayo, and secret sauce sandwich.
Koko Starr returned to the stage, spreading love and joy with her performance to Miranda Cosgrove's "Kissin U," adorned in red and white with heart motifs. Her infectious energy kept the audience engaged and entertained.
Venom Vonsnaps took the stage once more, delivering a high-energy performance to Erika Jayne's "Xxpensive" in a tight black and silver dress. Despite a few wardrobe malfunctions, Venom's fun energy shone through. She followed up with a lively rendition of Shania Twain's "Man! I Feel Like a Woman," showcasing her versatility and charisma.
The highlight of the evening was a duet performance by B. Martini and Venom to Lady Gaga's "Telephone." B. Martini, clad in a leather jacket over a leather bra with long hair curled around empty beer cans, and Venom, playing the Beyoncé part, shared the spotlight in a powerful and electric performance that had the crowd roaring with excitement.
Koko Starr closed the night with a sultry and dazzling performance to Sabrina Carpenter's "Espresso," wearing a small, glittery pink dress. Her ability to connect with the audience ensured a memorable end to a fantastic evening.
The community turnout was impressive, with everyone enjoying the night to the fullest. The bar staff was cheerful, and the audience was engaged and enthusiastic throughout the event. "A Royal Affair II: Crown Jewels" was a spectacular success, reinforcing the vibrant and dynamic drag scene in Windsor. The evening truly lived up to its regal name, leaving attendees eagerly awaiting the next event by Koko Starr Events.
Review by Kevin Blondin
A Night of Drag Extravaganza at Walkerville Brewery
Battle of the Babes - Love Sick: A Night of Drag Extravaganza at Walkerville Brewery
Battle of the Babes - Love Sick
In the heart of Walkerville, the vibrant and lively atmosphere of Walkerville Brewery set the stage for an evening of glitz, glamour, and unbridled talent at the Battle of the Babes - Love Sick event on Saturday, February 10, 2024. Hosted by the dynamic duo, Epoxy and Iddy Oats, this installment of the renowned Battle of the Babes series promised a night of fierce competition and fabulous performances.
As the clock struck 7 pm, the crowd eagerly gathered to witness the battle of five drag babies and an unexpected surprise guest. The competitors, Enxiietie, Mina Gorgina, Subrina Kink, Dawn Key, Angelina Lepore, and the surprise guest, Venom, were introduced by the vivacious Epoxy, setting the stage for an unforgettable night.
The evening kicked off with the first lipsync battle, featuring Subrina Kink versus Venom, who wowed the audience with a fierce rendition of Taylor Swift's "Look What You Made Me Do." The energy was palpable as the performers engaged in a battle of wit, style, and lip-sync prowess.
The next lipsync battle showcased Mina Gorgina and Enxiietie, who delivered a show-stopping performance to Beyonce's "Single Ladies." The highlight of this battle was Mina's daring climb onto the bar and DJ Hudson Bae's romantic gesture, dropping to one knee to mock-propose to Enxiietie. Love was truly in the air.
Dawn Key and Angelina Lepore took the stage for the third battle, lipsyncing to Britney Spears' "Womanizer." The excitement reached its peak until an unexpected slip led to an early end of the song. However, the show must go on.
Epoxy then introduced the reigning Babe, Remedy, and past competitor, B. Martini, setting the stage for the Valentine's Day edition of Battle of the Babes - Love Sick. Unfortunately, due to Angelina's injury, it was announced she would not continue in the competition. Enter Iddy Oats, who, with a playful spirit, treated the audience to an entertaining rendition of "Love Stinks" by J Geils Band.
The talent show segment followed, with each artist showcasing their unique skills. Highlights included Mina Gorgina's industrial remix vocal performance, Venom's musical comedy and celebrity impressions, Subrina Kink making it rain Ring Pops, Dawn Key's unicycle entrance, painting a bold portrait, and Enxiietie's mesmerizing lipsync.
The night reached its climax with Venom and Mina Gorgina facing off in the final lipsync battle to Cher's "Believe." In a surprising turn of events, the competitors transformed the stage into a sisterly collaboration, ending the performance with playful camaraderie. The audience, with roaring applause, crowned Venom as the grand champion.
In a heartwarming gesture, Venom and Mina playfully crowned the injured Angelina with the tiara, embodying the spirit of sisterhood that permeated the event. The night was a splendid blend of laughter, camaraderie, and top-notch performances, all set against the backdrop of good times, good people, and, of course, good beer at Walkerville Brewery.
The Battle of the Babes - Love Sick proved once again that the Windsor drag scene is a force to be reckoned with, showcasing not only talent but also a tight-knit community that celebrates diversity, creativity, and the art of drag.
Photography and Review by Kevin Blondin, capturing the essence of Love Sick, available exclusively in the pages of DRAG MAG.