Hudson’s Royal Court Reigns Supreme
Hudson’s Royal Court
Step into the kingdom of camp as Hudson Bae and his court dazzle with high-energy performances, theatrical fashion, and birthday bash antics!
March 8, 2025
At The Barbershop Bar
WINDSOR, Ontario
A Night of Royalty and Revelry
Hear ye, hear ye! Windsor’s drag scene gathered for an evening of medieval mischief and birthday cheer as Hudson Bae hosted Hudson’s Royal Court at The Barbershop Bar on March 8th. Guests were invited to don their finest royal attire and join the king of the night in a celebration filled with high-energy performances, captivating costumes, and an atmosphere brimming with laughter and camaraderie.
Table of Contents:
A Regal Affair: Setting the Scene
Courtly Performances: The Stars of the Show
Fashion Fit for Royalty
A Night to Remember
A Regal Affair: Setting the Scene
As the clock struck eight, the doors to The Barbershop Bar opened to an eager crowd, excited to partake in Hudson Bae’s birthday bash. With the venue packed and the audience dressed to impress, the ambiance was electric, blending the charm of a Renaissance festival with the high energy of a modern drag show.
Hudson, ever the charismatic host, welcomed guests with his signature wit, kicking off the night’s festivities with a blend of comedy, charm, and classic court jester antics. From the moment he took the stage, the energy was contagious, setting the tone for an unforgettable night.
Courtly Performances: The Stars of the Show
Hudson’s Royal Court featured an outstanding lineup of drag royalty. Venom Von Snaps, Luxy Charms, and Cecil Cecropia graced the stage with stunning performances, each bringing their unique flair to the celebration. Though Lua was absent, the show pressed on with enough excitement to keep the crowd thoroughly entertained.
Venom Von Snaps delivered sultry, commanding performances, serving rock-and-roll edge with her leafy green ensemble and fiery red locks. Later in the night, she transformed into a punk princess with fishnet details and a schoolgirl skirt, proving her versatility as a performer. Luxy Charms embodied pure theatricality, first appearing as a devilish rocker in a Kiss crop-top, and later switching to a more refined, black and white aesthetic, all while maintaining her signature clown-inspired look.
Cecil Cecropia was a powerhouse of punk and rebellion, first in an all-black rocker ensemble and later embracing a DIY aesthetic with an oversized sweatshirt, safety pins, and skull-themed accessories. And of course, Hudson Bae himself was a sight to behold, first in a blue jester’s garb complete with a white ruff, then in a striking white ruffled shirt and platinum wig, playfully wielding a “#1 Daddy” coffee mug.
Fashion Fit for Royalty
The night wasn’t just about the performances—it was also a visual spectacle. Themed outfits added an extra layer of excitement, with each performer embodying their own take on royal flair. The audience, too, played their part, arriving in their best regal attire, transforming the venue into a full-blown royal court. Whether clad in crowns, flowing gowns, or medieval-inspired finery, the crowd fully embraced the theme, making the event feel like a grand festival.
A Night to Remember
With a packed house, stellar performances, and a birthday celebration fit for a king, Hudson’s Royal Court proved to be a night of unforgettable revelry. The camaraderie between performers and audience alike made the event feel intimate yet spectacular—a true testament to Windsor’s thriving drag community. As the night came to a close, the cast stayed on set to mingle with guests, ensuring that everyone had the chance to capture memories with their favorite royals.
Long live Hudson Bae and his court—until the next royal gathering!
Review by Kevin Blondin
Photos by Liana Anselmo
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