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
Semi Qualified Queens Live Shakes Up Windsor
Semi Qualified Queens Live Shakes Up Windsor: A Night of Glitz, Glamour, and Giggles
A Night of Glitz, Glamour, and Giggles
WINDSOR, ON - The Windsor Sportsmen's Club was transformed into a hub of fabulousness on Saturday, March 23, 2024, as Semi Qualified Queens Live dazzled the audience with a spectacle of drag performances and witty banter. Hosted by the charismatic Juice Boxx, a familiar face from the inaugural season of Canada's Drag Race, and the sensational Synthia Kiss, known for her appearances on season 2 of the hit show, the event was a whirlwind of entertainment.
Adding to the excitement, Windsor's own Koko Starr took center stage as the featured guest, showcasing her immense talent and local charm to the delight of the crowd. Brought to life by Freddie, Semi Qualified Queens Live is a live recorded podcast format event that has been wowing audiences across multiple cities in Canada.
The evening kicked off with Juice Boxx's electrifying performance, characterized by boundless energy and crowd interaction. Sporting a stunning pink sparkly dress, Juice Boxx treated the audience to a medley of songs, punctuated by plenty of lap dances and infectious enthusiasm.
Following suit, Koko Starr commanded the stage with her rendition of "Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend," donning a metallic pink dress and exuding high-octane energy. As the music pulsated, Starr captivated the audience by shedding layers of her attire, revealing a sultry bodysuit underneath.
Synthia Kiss, adorned in a holographic pink outfit adorned with feathers, continued the momentum with a dynamic performance set to "It Was Love at First Sight." The birthday surprise for Kiss orchestrated by Juice Boxx added an extra touch of sweetness to the evening, as the crowd joined in singing "Happy Birthday."
The synergy between Synthia Kiss and Juice Boxx was palpable during their duet, as they seamlessly blended skits and songs into a delightful medley. From iconic tunes like "Vogue" by Madonna to comedic skits from Chicago and Legally Blonde, the duo's performance was a testament to their chemistry and comedic timing.
In the second set, Synthia Kiss and Juice Boxx shifted gears to a talk show format, grilling Koko Starr with their trademark wit and charm. Dressed to the nines in gowns designed by Synthia Kiss herself, the trio kept the audience in stitches with their playful banter and infectious energy.
Closing out the evening with a bang, Synthia Kiss and Juice Boxx took to the stage once more for a lively duet, dancing to hits by Ariana Grande and Madonna. With plenty of laughs and even some floor rolls, the duo left the audience clamoring for more.
On Saturday, March 23rd, 2024, in Windsor, Ontario, Semi Qualified Queens Live in Windsor proved to be an unforgettable night of drag excellence, showcasing the talent and camaraderie of Canada's drag scene.
Review by Anna Kettle
Edited by Kevin Blondin
Photos by Kevin Blondin