TRUE Fest in Amherstburg

Unleashes a Blizzard of Drag Delights

Amherstburg, ON — On the chilly night of January 27, the streets of Amherstburg heated up with the fierce and fabulous TRUE Fest. This winter street party, sponsored by Windsor-Essex Pride Fest, Caesars Windsor, Rotary Club of Amherstburg, and The House Youth Centre, and hosted by AM800’s Dan MacDonald, brought a blizzard of drag delights to this small Southwestern Ontario town.

Outdoor Extravaganza: The festival featured two outdoor stages, each a block apart, creating a drag duet of dueling queens. Edie Violet from Woodstock and Phoenix Black from London kicked off the spectacle at 6:30 pm, and 7:30 pm, followed by Dulce from London and Koko Starr from Windsor at 8:30 pm and 9:30 pm.

Fire, Ice, and Everything Nice: Between sets, attendees could switch things up at the other stage and witness mesmerizing fire and glow performances by Hoop You. To keep the winter chill at bay, hot chocolate and apple cider were on the menu, courtesy of the Rotary Club of Amherstburg. A street lined with patio heaters, cornhole, s'mores stations, hotdogs, and a hot bar on Dalhousie Street added to the festive atmosphere. Lot 10 kept spirits warm with craft beer and s'mores kits, while an Igloo by the Embrace Group at The House Youth Centre offered games and prizes, including coveted tickets to see Canada's Drag Race at Caesars Windsor on April 4.

Community Vibes and Royal Memories:

The event drew a diverse crowd of families, kids, and drag enthusiasts of all ages. The sense of community was palpable as the night progressed, bringing warmth to the frozen streets.

Royal Performances:

Edie Violet and Phoenix Black dazzled with stunning looks and shared memories from their TV appearances. Koko Starr's high-energy performances left the crowd in awe, and Dulce lit up the night with her playful attitude. An impromptu extra song from Dulce added an unexpected treat that left the audience wanting more.

After-Party Bliss:

The festivities continued at Burger 67 with an after-party featuring a DJ and an open kitchen for apps until midnight. Downtown Amherstburg was alive and buzzing, defying the January cold with a celebration that resonated throughout the town.

Stay tuned for more drag delights in the next edition of DRAG MAG!

Photos and Review by Kevin Blondin

Friday the 13th

with a twist of Lemon

Friday the 13th - with a twist of Lemon

When: Friday, October 13, 2023

Where: Windsor Sportsmen’s Club, 2401 Dougall Avenue, Windsor, Ontario

Presented by: Lavender Promotions and Koko Starr Events

Main Act: Lemon (From Canada's Drag Race Season 1)

Supporting Acts: Luxy Charms, Rollz, Koko Starr, Phoenix Black, Hudson Bae, Subrina Kink

Admission: $20 in Advance, $25 at the Door, General Admission Only

The Zine Experience:

Let's turn the clock back to Friday the 13th, a date infamous for its dark aura. But Windsor wasn't about superstitions; it was about celebrating the extraordinary. The Windsor Sportsmen’s Club was the place to be, and it wasn't just any Friday night – it was the night Lemon (@lemongivesyoulife), the tangy sensation from Canada's Drag Race (@canadasdragrace) Season 1, returned to Windsor for another spectacular drag event hosted by Lavender Promotions (@lavenderpromo) and Koko Starr Events.

Picture this: It’s Friday night, it’s 8 pm, and I’m at a place called the Sportsmen’s Club with dead animals covering the walls… This truly is a Friday the 13th.  Inside, the air buzzes with anticipation, as the crowd awaits a sour and sensational spectacle. Lemon, with her zest for life and a style as bright as the fruit she's named after, was the star of the show. She didn't disappoint; She squeezed out every drop of charisma and talent.

But Lemon wasn't alone. She brought with her a smorgasbord of talent that added a variety of flavors to the night. Luxy Charms (@luxycharms666), the self proclaimed “little goth clown hooker” was pure luxury and charm, drawing us in to her darkness with her sinister grin. Rollz (@rollzthedragqueen), the dark horse of the evening, spun us into a whirlwind of wonder. Koko Starr (@kokostarrqueen), a local legend, brought her A-game, dazzling the crowd with her power and glamour. The dancing queen from London, Ontario, Phoenix Black (@itsphoenixblack), fiery and fierce, set the stage ablaze with her presence. Hudson Bae (@kinghudsonbae), the embodiment of cool, brought a new definition to suave. And Subrina Kink (@subrina_kink), sprinkled a touch of kink and a dash of horror into the mix that would have made Jason’s own mother proud!

For just $20 this unforgettable night could have been yours. The audience, a blend of faces from all walks of life, reveled in the atmosphere. It was general admission, so no one was too far from the magic happening on stage.

The energy in the room was electric, a fusion of Lemon's vibrant spirit and the crowd's enthusiastic cheers. With every lip sync, every costume change, and every dance move, Lemon and her ensemble elevated the room to new heights.

As the night waned and the clock ticked away, it was clear: Lemon and her cohorts had painted the town yellow. It was a Friday the 13th that would be remembered for its audacity, its eccentricity, and its pure zest for life.

In the end, as the crowd dispersed, smiles on their faces and a touch of Lemon's inspiration in their hearts, the Windsor Sportsmen’s Club remained an oasis of extraordinary. The city had experienced a Friday the 13th like no other – one that proved that sour can be sweet, and that a little bit of Lemon goes a long way.

The Verdict: Sour, sweet, and everything in between – the Windsor drag scene will be talking about this unforgettable Friday the 13th for years to come.

By Kevin Blondin (@kevinblondinsta)