Samedi

By Laura Burns

Despite hurricanes and no electricity, the New Orleans gay community refuses to let anything stand in the way of coming out in style for Southern Decadence, and Dykeadence 2012 kicked off last night with two shows. The Allways Lounge and Theatre hosted Queerlesque! Burlesque by, for, and about queers where a packed crowd dripped in sweat and screamed through two rowdy shows.  In addition, at the House of Blues, hip-hop and soul duo God-des and She performed along with New Orleans drag king troupe, the Carnival Kings. 

There have been Queerlesque performances at every Dykeadence since the inception of the calendar of events for queer women, transgendered people, gender non-conforming people and people of color. Both of last night’s non air-conditioned Queerlesque! performances drew a crowd of 200 (400 total) with only a generator to power the stage, the DJ, and a few fans. Eventually, clothing became optional for the performers and the crowd alike.

Local burlesque stars Bella Blue, the Lady Lucerne, and Ace Falcor performed along with other New Orleanians and out of towners from Houston, Austin, Atlanta, and Melbourne, Australia.

Deep Lez took over for the after party following Queerlesque with DJ Boi Toi spinning the beats as the night wrapped up with the crowd hitting the dance floor.

At the House of Blues, a crowd of around 200 turned up to celebrate the end of Isaac and to kick off the first of two Grrlspot events during this year’s Dykeadence. Grrlspot is a monthly pop-up bar for women, people of all sexual orientations and gender identities.

Taking over the Parish at HOB, Midwestern duo, God-des and She, took the stage for an hour set, which included new music from their upcoming album. After their show, the Carnival Kings sang their way through a 45-minute set before DJ Gage took over to close out the night with a bang.

Grrlspot’s event also hosted a raffle to benefit Dykeadence’s community partner, Women With A Vision. All proceeds will be donated to WWAV to help them rebuild after arson destroyed their offices and much of their sex education supplies in May. 

Tonight’s Dykeadence events include the Faster Pussycat Go-Go Dance party at the Allways Lounge and Theatre at 10 p.m., followed by DJ Sonja, DJ Q, and special guest Elon for a crazy after-party at the St. Roch Tavern for Booty Bounce Night.

On Sunday, Dykeadence will be marching in the Decadence parade as part of the entourage of the first ever lesbian co-Grand Marshal, Pat McArdle!  Grrlspot will also host another event, Fleurt, at Joy Theatre doors at 9 p.m. Find a complete list of events on the Dykeadence facebook page,