Premiere: Issue 1

February 2014 Volume 1 Issue 1

bringing the LGBTA lifestyle of Portland to light.

Contents

Coffee Table of Contents 4 A word from the Editors 5 The Magical Mystery of Pagan Holladay 12 Ask Bolivia 14 Bartender’s Log 17 Bye, Bye Barbie 20 The Wild Heart of Shane Koehler 28 Premiere Exclusive Behold the one true Supreme 39 Carla Rossi’s Art Poop X #PremierePDX

PREMIERE February 7th, 2014

3

A word from the Editors

Oh my goodness its finally here I cant believe it and can hardly contain myself! Im so excited to be bringing you into the Premiere world, this is going to be such a fun trip into our community.

But before this happens I have to stress how important it is for a community to get involved with one another, to appreciate each others glamour and pizzaz. This publication as long as its going will be about the people, those people you see or dont see everyday. Those people you've always wondered a little more about.

Those people who are just people but bring a whole other meaning into the world that others just havent "scene" yet. Thats our goal here, to make YOU the PEOPLE to be "SCENE." Lets highlight the beauty of you as an artist, dancer, musician, performer, actor, photographer, person, whatever it may be. Its your turn for the camera darlings, everybody is given their 15 minutes eventually, how about now? You as a reader of this publication is to contact me, Bruce Ross, with yourself or a friend you think deserves to be highlighted and brought to light. #PremierePDX in someones comments and we are there no matter if its Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.

Look at me rambling... Enjoy the publication!

Love, Bruce Ross Editor-in-Chief

facebook.com/brucester1 4

PREMIERE Volume 1 Issue 1

I was always told when I first started becoming a part of the “gay scene” back when I turned 18, that “There’s a Hollywood in every city, and you can always find it in the gay community,” and they were not lying when they said it. I’m not talking about the ‘fame’ or reputation one may acquire that gives it a Hollywood scene, but the amount of talent, creativity, glamour, and the ability to be fabulous that surrounds you the moment you enter the doors into ‘the scene’. What I’ve always wanted to do is find a way to put exactly what goes on in the scene and in the clubs and put it all in one place for everyone to look at, and to be a part of.

Preparing for the very first issue of “Premiere” has been very exciting, especially seeing how much all of you have supported and helped us get “Premiere” off the ground and giving it a premiere of its own. I encountered nothing but kindness, generosity, and the WANT to get involved from all of the people we have approached and for that I say thank you to everyone, even our readers, for making this publication possible.

Portland has a tremendous amount of talented and dedicated individuals, and the numbers seem to only be rising. “Premiere” knows you all are out there and we want you to go out and LIVE and CREATE your fantasy... and in the meantime... we’ll be telling everyone about it!

Joshua DePoorter Creative Director

facebook.com/depoorterj

Photographer: Josh Hernandez

Pagan Holladay

The Magical Mystery of

Pagan Holladay

by Joshua DePoorter

For anybody who’s anything like everybody, then you definitely do not look forward to Hump Day. It is always the slowest day of the week, with usually nothing going on.

Although, some people like to look at things as if they’re half full. They think to themselves that they only have two more days until it is the weekend, they’re halfway there. But thanks to Pagan Holladay, we now have at least one Wednesday to look forward to, and thats the last Wednesday of every month.

PREMIERE February 7th, 2014

5

Pagan Holladay

We aren’t talking about your regular drag show, but better yet, a variety show displaying all sorts of talent. You can see things range from drag queen performances, to live singing, andanything under the sun. And thats how Pagan Holladay likes it!

I had a chance to get a quick glance into Pagan’s vision, and what I saw I could tell that it is only just the beginning. She says with quiet enthusiasm that she wanted to create a monthly showcase that would be free to attend, enjoyable, and high quality. Deciding to put the show together because she wanted there to be a place of opportunity for people who don’t necessarily have the outlets that they need and to help find amateur performers and veterans alike.

4

That looks

.

horrifying

Five Fun Facts about Pagan Holladay 1 She loves vintage hat fashions most notably from the 50s through 80s.

2 Her signature “wigs” are all constructed from the necrotic flesh of dead stuffed animals.

3 Tammie Brown and Marionetta Fuego are her favorite Drag Queen idols (even though Miss Fuego is just a puppet).

4 100% of her wardrobe is purchased from neighborhood second-hand stores such as Goodwill and House of Vintage.

5 She often carries a Panasonic switchblade knife and will skillfully “flip your flapjacks” with a well-practiced left-hook.

6

PREMIERE Volume 1 Issue 1

2

You’re going to see different faces each month, along with similiar faces like Zora Phoenix, Tod Alan, and Valerie DeVille who are regulars of the show, which has a different name each month, the last being “Magic TIme Machine.” Each month is completely different and loosely themed, allowing all talent to do what they want. Sometimes the talent can get a little enthusiastic and drink alittle too much and accidently throw up on another queen like Valerie DeVille did one month.

Pagan Holladay

1

She encourages creativity, freedom of expression, and even a little bit of urinating on stage, if thats your thing of course.

“That was abnormal for her I would say,” says Pagan while continuing on saying, “She was feeling a bit enthusiastic that evening, but don’t expect to see that from her again... you never know who it’s gonna be.”

3

All in all, the variety showcase was amazing. Pagan definitely achieved what she wanted to do by inspiring others and have people who view the show with motivation to do something, anything. But most importantly, Imagination.

THAT is what she wants to bring back into the world, the ability to imagine.

So make sure you stop by and catch the nest monthly show every last Wednesday of every month at Scandals, downtown Portland, starting at 9:30pm.

5

Crystal Meth in Grey Gardens (Drag Sister)

Aria duLou (Daughter) Misty Beavers (Aunt) Destiny Matthews (Aunt) Sharon Peters (Skankiest Cousin)

Other Notable Relatives

Happy Holladay (Drag Dog)

PREMIERE February 7th, 2014

7

Pagan Holladay

Pagan Holladay on Pagan Holladay My “digital drag” practice was something I started when I first began attempting the art of drag, and it reflects all of Pagan’s bustling inspiration. It has evolved with me as my craft has improved, and I very much think of this as a parallel side of Pagan; almost like an identical twin. When I think of drag, I think of tremendous imagination, and this

artistic practice capitalizes on the ability to be unrestricted by the limitations of “real” clothing or female impersonation. I use the tools of graphic design and illustration and combine them with my craft to simultaneously inspire myself and others in unique and surprising ways, beyond the realms of conventional drag.

Tribute to Rubens Cantuni

8

A lot of my drag is inspired by graphic design, videogames, cartoons, candy, and other such fun and lively things.

I decided to create this image as a tribute to one of my favorite illustrators today, Rubens Cantuni of tokyocandies.com.

His graphic style speaks very loudly to my personal aesthetic, and I love how playful, young, and devious his art can be.

“Tribute to Rubens Cantuni” Digital/Photography Mixed Media. 8.5” x 11”.

PREMIERE Volume 1 Issue 1

“Rainbows and Unicorns” Digital/Photography Mixed Media. 11” x 17”.

Pagan Holladay

Rainbows and Unicorns This image is perhaps my favorite because it most closely represents my heart.

I try to fill my life and my mind with vivid color, whimsical fancies, and fun. Even though I come across as somber and socially awkward more often than not, my mind is always filled with curiosity and joy, and I find pleasure in being able to express that visually. The element of playfulness expressed in this image is more so a self-portrait of Aldo (my guy name) as worn by Pagan.

PREMIERE February 7th, 2014

9

Pagan Holladay

Solar Flair As an artist, my personal philosophy is a firm belief that art will save the world. Inspiration is the lifeblood of imagination, and imagination is one of the few forces powerful enough to bring about global change. I feel as though this image reflects my philosophy pretty directly, even if it is a bit tongue-in-cheek.

Pagan Holladay is a queen of cosmic proportions, and the strength in her art is its ability to stimulate and inspire. Even if I can’t birth a child, I can sew the seeds of inspiration, and help grow a brigther future one day at a time.

10

PREMIERE Volume 1 Issue 1

“Solar Flair” Digital/Photography Mixed Media. 11” x 17”. All art by Aldo Perez.

Pagan Holladay

facebook.com/pagan holladay

paganholladay@gmail.com

PREMIERE February 7th, 2014

11

Ask Bolivia Premiere had a lovely sit down interview last weekend to discuss a potential new column with Bolivia. I’m sure a lot of you know her but for those who don’t she’s been working at CC Slaughters for nearly ten years, a fantastic person in the community whose been doing drag for the last twenty years in Portland, starting out where a lot of us are familiar with, a certain underage nightclub named The Escape.

People recognize Bolivia for her many amazing performances from Lucille Ball to Reba McEntire; people even dub her as the “Sidewalk Psychologist”

meaning she’ll always have an ear, and even will stop and "step in your shoes" to get an idea of what your trying to come across. Sometimes putting you in your place if your the one acting like a moron.

With that being said i asked her if she wanted to be a part of an “Ask Bolivia” column. She accepted, we threw a couple silly questions and she took it in stride answering seriously but even throwing in her humor that we know so well. Premiere is very excited to see some questions come her way.

Message us on our Facebook Page

facebook.com/premierepdx

Or contact Bolivia directly

facebook.com/queenbolivia

Hell, throw some funnies at her and see what she replies with.

All questions will be strictly confidential.

12

Bolivia Carmichaels

PREMIERE Volume 1 Issue 1

bolivia.carmichaels@gmail.com

Bartender’s Log

Hi, I’m Jeremy Abe.

14

PREMIERE Volume 1 Issue 1

I’ve been bartending in Portland for 2 1/2 years. You can find me at CC Slaughters Rainbow Room: Mon/Tues 8-30pm - close (Yes, until the bitter end at 2am, no matter what)

Friday 3-9pm Saturday 3-9pm Sunday 3-8pm

Bartender’s Log

The following isn't necessarily my own personal sentiments, but an amalgamation of my own experiences mixed with stories from other bartenders I know. Please enjoy!

facebook.com/jeremy.abe.7

It is star date 12 . 21 . 2013 aboard the starship CC Slaughters in Portland, OR,

my night has been... you don’t want to know.

I’ve recorded it anyway.

10:21pm - Customer ordered a vodka cran. Then a vodka soda. Then another vodka soda. And also a rum and coke.

And three shots of Fireball. Order took 5 minutes.

12:03am - You won't like what I drink, what do you want?

10:26pm - Customer ordered a vodka soda, vodka cran, screwdriver, gin and tonic, and four shots of Rumpleminze.

Served in 2 minutes because I can mutlitask and not wait for individual orders.

10:28pm - Back in the groove. You need water? Done! Same round as before? Your wish is my command. Sex in the back room? Please don't ask that.

10:29pm - Line is crazy long but Big Tipper shows up again.

Help him first. People look unhappy, but tips buy service.

10:32pm - Girl in sparkly silver dress orders another whiskey sour and closes her card. Again. The crowd stares impatiently. I cringe at their aggression knowing I am moving as fast as possible. I hate her.

10:37pm - Girl throws her practically porn-star status tits on the bar. I assume for better service. You know where you are, right?

Bartender’s Log

My favorite parts of the job are mixing new flavors, making the cocktail you want to drink, and getting to know people.

12:04am - No seriously, you wont like it.

What do you normally drink?

12:05am - I told you, you wouldn't like scotch.

12:06am - You ordered it against my recommendation.

Why would it be on the house?that guy is a mooch, dude .

12:10am - The last person just asked the same question.

Please take my advice.

12:11am - Oh, you enjoy a nicely aged scotch! Let me recommend... balvenie double wood

12:12am - There is hope for humanity.

12:30am - I have drunk so much water my blader is going to explode if I dont get a bathroom break.

12:33am - About to pee in a garbage can. Where is that fucking barback?

10:40pm - What time is it? I feel like it's midnight.

12:34am - Made it in the nick of time...

10:50pm - The line is suddenly over-crowded. The special must be over soon. I haven't looked at a clock since what feels like yesterday.

12:36am - I'm gone for two minutes and security has to manhandle some jackass out of here? Typical.

12:45am - They're still talking about him being thrown out.

Dude, you're drunk, and the police saw everything.

Your 'witnesses' are also drunk.

Not gonna stand up in a court of law.

10:55pm - Girl in the sparkly dress is back for another whiskey sour. And to close her card. Again. The line behind her waits. Again. I smile and wish her a good night, secretly wishing her the pain of a thousand deaths, only because the should’ve u o y . r e murd 12:50am - I could use a drink. Or a Vicodin. ked!!! crowd behind her thinks their wait is my fault. as

death.

10:57pm - Im running as fast as I can to serve as many kill. 1:00am - Strange lull in the crowd tonight. Must be the people before the end of the special. Body hurts, shut out the pain. Go, go, go!

11:00pm - Special over, but noticed the people already in line. Going to honor that and extend the special to those already waiting.

11:10pm - That dude is dancing like he doesn't care. I live for moments like these. Oh, plus he looks wasted.

11:20pm - Wasted-looking dude approaching the bar.

Please don't ask for more. Legally shouldn't serve this guy.

Gonna suck having to cut him off. I hate doing this...

11:21pm - Oh thank God, he only wanted water.

11:25pm - Puker in the bathroom.

Learn how to handle your liquor, people!

11:30pm - Is it over yet?

.

sly riou

se

11:45pm - Really, really cute guy is back! ...and really, really drunk. Can barely stand up straight.

Rethinking his cute status.I call him uy”.

weather. Or the economy. Or the strippers down the street.

1:30am - People are coming back. Strippers must not have been that good.

1:45am - Almost done. Almost done. Almost.... (smile) of course you can have a shot of (gulp) well tequila.

1:46am - I know you didnt ask for salt or lime. Trust me.

You'll need both.

1:47am - I'm calling you a cab. Drink this water.

1:55am - Long Island iced tea? I'm sorry, we stopped serving doubles and college drinks at midnight.

But here's a delicious Pomegranate Press.

1:56am - I don't know why this guy is throwing me attitude wanting a Long Island. It's not going to makeme want to serve him. At all. Keep smiling. y t’s why the e. :( ore than m like you m

tha 1:57am - Keep smiling.

1:58am - He's yelling obscenities about my parents and

y Big g quit it.threatening to sue the bar... oh hell no. It's time to get the hit it and

all “Really, Re

12:00am - Bar is clearing out, can finally pause to grab a drink of water.

12:02am - Nope, just kidding. The crowd amasses looking murderous for more booze. photographer: Brendan Coughlin

fuck out!

2:00am - Locked doors, time to clean house.

Going to hibernate until next weekend...

PREMIERE February 7th, 2014

15

Allie McQueen

e y B e

e i b r a

y B

B

en e u cQ

eM i l l A

PREMIERE February 7th, 2014

17

Allie McQueen

Throughout

my three years in the Portland drag scene, I've experienced a wide variety of people, relationships, drama and a whole lot of self discovery. My journey took me all over from a VIP nightclub in Riverside, California performing along side big names such as Morgan McMicheals, Sonique, and Raven to smaller shows in Denver, Colorado performing next to the equally as talented, lesser known queens such as Volta Charge and Brittany McMicheals.

I had a home at Hamburger Mary's Portland for a short while there I grew to be part of the closest thing I have had to a drag family. Hosting shows with Godiva DeVyne and Honey Bea Hart, bucking and twirling along side Jayla Rose, and my first attempt at drag parenting the one and only Aliyah Nicole.

Some of my endeavors were extremely successful.

Not everyone always agreed with the McQueen way of doing things but nonetheless,

I believed, and that's all that really mattered.

After being crowned Miss Gay Pride in 2012, I saw a whole other side to the Portland drag scene. I met a few great people who backed me through thick and thin and kept reminding me that my vision was real and that there were people out there responding in a positive way. But there is also a side of the scene that is heavily driven by anger, jealousy and low self esteem.

Many may not agree when I say this, but I do try and find the best in everyone and I don't mean to piss people off. I do drag for none other than myself and my supporters. Often times it is hard to stay focused on the positive things in life when you have those evil ones hanging onto your every move.

I always get asked, who is Allie McQueen and why is she the way she is?

The truth is, I honestly still don’t know.

I try and show respect to everyone even when I’m pushed too far, and I try to be sure to admit fault when I am wrong. I hope the people who have gotten to know Allie, know my heart is in the right place. But, I am still human.

Many times I feel people forget that underneath Allie McQueen’s big blowup doll lips, blonde hair, and confident demeanor lies a real person.

facebook.com/alliemcqueenxo 18

PREMIERE Volume 1 Issue 1

My name is Dustin Lloyd Miller. I grew up like many of you in a small town where I just didn’t quite fit in. I created Allie because my whole life I felt as though I just couldn’t tell my story by myself.

Some things just didn’t make sense coming from the Alaskan grown, son of a hardware store owner.

Allie gave me a vessel, she helped me connect in a way with many others who have been through family drama, heartbreak, bullying, health problems, whatever your own person story was, Allie helped me to reach inside some of you and show you that you aren’t alone in this crazy thing we call life.

As I have said before, not everyone reading this is going to take this the way I intend. To those of you who are listening though, I thank you.

I am still learning something new every single day about both Dustin and Allie and I am sure that I will fall a time or two in the future, as will most of you. The thing that makes us different, is the fact that we get back up regardless.

To the people I connected with in Portland, I wish you all the best of luck in absolutely everything you set your mind to. To the people that still have animosity towards me,

I love you.

If I can leave any advice to you up and coming queens (yes I’m talking about you Edie Del Mod, Classiana Hilton and Lulu Luscious), stay strong!

Dig deep inside yourself and find that little spark that lights YOUR fire and don’t let ANYONE blow that shit out! Every single one of us is beautiful in our own way. We may not all wear gowns, or give you campy comedic performances. We may not all be skinny, or dress like a complete skank bags.

But that’s exactly what makes drag so much fun.

We ALL have a chance to tell OUR story and even if nobody else understands your art, there is that one person in the back of the bar, you probably didn’t see her when you walked in, but she looks up to you. Inspire her, give her a reason to go home and practice her makeup. Give her a reason to put on her heels and feel that feeling we all have when we are performing our favorite song.

Inspire people to be themselves and hopefully one day, they can inspire someone as well.

We had our ups and downs, but Portland and the people in it will hold a place in my pretty pink heart forever.

X

n e e u Q c M e i l l A xxo.

Shane Koehler

Wild Heart The

of Shane Koehler

20

PREMIERE Volume 1 Issue 1

Shane Koehler

I’m a self taught artist originally from Michigan.

For several years I have worked with youth, volunteers and the general public teaching environmental awareness around the country. My job has been to provide others with experiences in nature that strengthen personal connections to the environment, self and community.

I aspire to enforce the idea of connectivity

by weaving together a collage of wildlife that relies on every organism for survival. A healthy world equals healthy ecosystems, habitats, organisms and is made possible by making healthy choices. Also, I strongly believe that the beauty of nature is a powerful tool for change and I hope to show that in each of my paintings.

Left: A portrait of the Artist Far Left: "Night Lights" Watercolour on Paper. 5” x 7”.

Above: “Green Natives” from a series of ten.

Watercolour on Paper. 10” x 10”.

PREMIERE February 7th, 2014

21

Shane Koehler

To help enforce these moments of experiential learning I like to collaborate on community art. Environmentally charged art is especially powerful because it gives nature a voice and can immediately shed light on problems we are causing. With ways to create positive change and gives us a sense of place. With my art work, whether its community based or fine art I strive to make a difference in the lives of those who view it.

-Shane Koehler

See more of Shane’s work on the following pages.

Top Left: "Curious" Watercolour on Paper. 11” x 14”.

Right: “Protection” Watercolor on Paper. 12” x 12”.

22

PREMIERE Volume 1 Issue 1

Shane Koehler PREMIERE February 7th, 2014

23

Shane Koehler Detail of "Blue Seahorse" from a series of seven.

Watercolor on Paper. 11” x 14”.

24

PREMIERE Volume 1 Issue 1

Detail of "Red Seahorse" from a series of seven.

Watercolor on Paper. 11” x 14”.

Shane Koehler

Detail of "Yellow Seahorse" from a series of seven.

Watercolor on Paper. 11” x 14”.

Detail of "Orange Seahorse" from a series of seven.

Watercolor on Paper. 11” x 14”.

PREMIERE February 7th, 2014

25

Shane Koehler “Kingdom of Life” Watercolor on Paper. 22” x 30”.

facebook.com/shanekoehlerart Detail of "Red Natives" from a series of ten.

Watercolor on Paper. 10” x 10”.

behance.net/shanekoehlerart

M Martinez Photography photosbymmartinez@gmail.com www.mmartinezphoto.com I know that while anyone can just take a picture, it’s the little details, the lines, the emotion provoked from a captured image that sets a photographer apart.

I strive to capture sincere feelings with a unique perspective while telling your story, and my desire for perfection and love of art can be seen in every photo.

Everyone has a good side, and I want to reflect your charm, your energy and your story.

PREMIERE February 7th, 2014

27

Dragathon

Pictured: The lovely coven of dragathon witches.

From left to right; LuLu Lusciouss, Marla Singer, Classiana Hilton Valerie DeVille, Violet Bleeding Hart and Jackie Daniels.

Not Pictured: Katrina Chaos.

Behold the one a premiere exclusive

by Bruce Ross

28

PREMIERE Volume 1 Issue 1

Dragathon

true Supreme #YesIMadeACovenReference #YoureWelcome #DragOven PREMIERE February 7th, 2014

29

Dragathon

Welcome to the first interview of Premiere magazine, I kindly asked Ecstacy what Dragathon was all about, finally after some poking and prodding she finally gave me this:

Dragathon started the last Thursday in September at the amazing Funhouse Lounge in Soustheast Portland.

Ecstacy Inferno

But we wanted to add Ecstasy’s crazy

touch to it and call it something The event was created by my different but staying within the manager and I during a meeting theme of the race. So we sat for where we chatted about fun a week thinking up different things missing in our community names and it popped in my head since the closing of a few venues; ‘marathon’. one of the first being [Portland] Drag Race, from Red Cap Garage. Add drag queens and it became...

behold the one true supreme 30

PREMIERE Volume 1 Issue 1

Dragathon

Simple enough, and quite frankly has been such a blast Thursday nights. Right now she's working on Portland Idol with CJ Mickens and Auditions start February 27th, so contact CJ Mickens right away if you'd like to be a part of that...

And now for our queens...

a premiere exclusive PREMIERE February 7th, 2014

31

Dragathon

#teamclassiana Classiana Hilton

Age: 5 years young Born: Portland Style: Dark Star Eleganza Titles: Ms Jr. Gay Pride, Rosebud Attitude: Calm, Collected Assets: Experience, Wardrobe Sibling: Luna Lockhart

“Sugar...”

#teamValerie Valerie Deville

Age: 4 years young Born: Seattle Style: High Glamour Camp Titles: Sweetheart Attitude: ...plenty.

Assets: Style, Refinement Sibling: Violet Bleeding Hart

“...Spice...”

#teamlulu LuLu Lusciouss

Age: 1 year old Born: Portland Style: Varied Titles: None Attitude: enterprising Assets: Competitive Edge, Energy Sibling: None “...and everthing Nice.”

Question: “When was the first time you did drag? Describe what it felt like.”

behold the one true supreme 32

PREMIERE Volume 1 Issue 1

Valerie

First time would have to have been when I was 21 and was Cruella for Halloween.

It was amazing and I didn’t want it to ever end.

Dragathon

Valerie

Pictured: Valerie Deville pitching her tantalizingly toxic signature cocktail, “The Vixen Venom”.

“I did Portland Drag Race a few years ago so I knew how this would go down, and I was ready to give them glampy (glamour/campy) Queen every week. I came to win that competition, not learn how to be a drag queen.”

“My style is defined. People see something and say “that is so Valerie”. My style is POLISHED. My reputation is different because I am known for being crazy which helps and hinders me.

Yes I for sure have what it takes. Every week I delivered flawless looks and hilarious memorable performances. People had amazing “moments” but this show was all my big moment. Ask the judges, since they rarely had critiques. The proof is in the point and pictures. They all brought it but I brought it 100 times more.”

Classiana

I first did drag when I was about 16.

I’ve always been very shy so this was my first real time really putting myself out there and it was such a surreal thing for me to be doing... and from that day I was hooked.

LuLu

The first time I ever did drag was in college. Since I was the President at the University of Puget Sound, I was asked to participate in our Annual GLBTQ Drag Show as the “celebrity” feature.

I drew black eye-liner haphazardly around my eyes, put lipstick on like a 8 year-old and I used a chiffon bow in place of a wig! I think of it now and chuckle sometimes, because I didn’t internalize ANY of the beautification aspects that I now practice daily for Lulu Luscious!

a premiere exclusive PREMIERE February 7th, 2014

33

Dragathon

Pictured: LuLu Luscious serving fish on the streets.

LuLu

“For better or for worse, I love Portland because we have a melting pot of performers that fall in between every which part of the spectrum. For instance, I could NEVER be on the same level as Violet Bleeding Hart; Homegurl sings LIVE in boy AND girl octaves and could EASILY take Nick Pitera for his money! I’m not ranked in the same category as Marla Singer, the selfproclaimed “faux-queen.” I would be crazy to compare myself to Queens like Classiana or Valerie! We just aren’t wired the same and don’t do the same things! And Katrina Chaos is a straight man whose story is so interesting, I hope the world gets to hear it! We all have different “schticks,” and it’s neat that we all share our love for entertaining without crossing bounds—well, I guess we’re all competing for the same prize, huh?”

Valerie

Question: “How did you come about your name and what inspirations helped you make your drag persona?”

Well the DeVille was easy. I grew up worshiping the Disney Villains, so much that my apartment actually looks like an episode from “Disney Hoarders”. The first name was a toss up between Veruca and Valerie; Veruca from Willy Wonka and Valerie from 90210, the original. I decided on Valerie because she immortalized the vixen I always wanted to be…the girl you love to hate or hate to love.

My persona is a mixture of naughty, spoiled little girl spliced with a wicked and fabulous sex kitten.

She is a combination of my favorite pop culture characters such as Karen Walker, Angelica Pickles, Miss Coco Peru and Norma Desmond.

behold the one true supreme 34

PREMIERE Volume 1 Issue 1

Dragathon

Classiana

“I love the things you can get away with. You can say whatever you want, really do anything you want, and you can get as shit face drunk as you want at the bars and no one really seems to care simply because youre a drag queen. But honestly I love every aspect of drag; Make-up, performing, etc.”

“I think they’re all talented and everyone has grown from this experience for sure, but some seem to think their talent can be shown by packing the house and using any and every possible resource to make them look good, but in reality they can’t stand on their own and only the strong can do that.”

Pictured: Classiana Hilton shines in the darkness.

Classiana

In the time I started doing drag, It was probably one of the not cutest times in my life when I was experimenting with “prescription drugs.”

Me and my best friend at the time had a code word of doing lines and calling it “Classy” so I just added “ana” to the end and she was born.

LuLu

My name is James Luu. Lulu is essentially a feminized version of “LuuLuu.” The Luscious was a fun alliteration that eventually would define Lulu more than I could ever plan for!

And Hilton of course, because of my idol Paris.

a premiere exclusive PREMIERE February 7th, 2014

35

Dragathon

Question: “Besides yourself, who do you think could win?”

Above: Judges Svetlana Hart, Lisa Schroeder, Kaj-Anne Pepper and Ecstacy Inferno pose with guest judges for a group photo.

behold the one true supreme 36

PREMIERE Volume 1 Issue 1

Valerie

I don’t know how to answer this since clearly there is no other option. But I would say Violet Bleeding Hart or Classiana Hilton. Each brought amazing performances and looks CONSISTENT, which I admire.

Well Who do I think will win and who I want to win are two completely different things. I Expect Lulu to win, because she has a degree in ass kissing apparently and somehow got people into her delusion to pack the house. But if I do not win, Team Valerie.

That wraps up our interview with the some of the marvelous Queens at Dragathon, very fantastic responses to these questions. Its unfortuante to say at the moment we do NOOOOOTTTTT know the winner. Talk about plot twist!

No due to our ! Seven Trumpet Storm in Portland, Dragathon has been rescheduled to continue in a couple weeks.

Wonder if this interview will change anything in the upcoming performances? Im sensing A-Game Realness. Bring it ladies, your audience awaits you.

LuLu

If I don’t win the crown, I truly hope Katrina Chaos takes it—ALL T, NO SHADE! The reason for this is because her story is SO EXTREMELY UNIQUE! Did you know she’s a STRAIGHT MAN? Did you know that she used to work as a cast member in the Disney Program? She’s so passionate about drag (enough to do it weekly for 4 months!!) and she’s also a super kind and nice person, in general! I think I’ve got a really good chance of being crowned the winner of Drag-a-thon, because I have consistently given it my all and topped myself; however, if they are judging on improvement, Katrina might be the one who has garnered more dramatic point increases from week-to-week! And if that’s the case, I honestly would be genuinely so happy for her, because I think everyone should hear her story.

It’s a very special and inspiring one!

Dragathon

Classiana

facebook.com/ecstacyinferno facebook.com/valerie.deville.75 facebook.com/classianahilton facebook.com/heylululuscious

We eagerly await the new Supreme. BALENCIAGA!

a premiere exclusive PREMIERE February 7th, 2014

37

Carla Rossi

On display until February28th Place Gallery @ Pioneer PlaceMall 700 SW 5th Ave. Portland, Oregon

Carla Rossi 40

PREMIERE Volume 1 Issue 1

and Im here to peddle

some art to you

Ca

Carla Rossi

Hi, my name is

i s s o R rla

You may know me as Portlands own Carla Rossi Portland's premier drag clown, the voice of a generation – all of these are true. But I could not do it without you, Portland. Although I probably COULD do it with Seattle or San Francisco and it might even be easier there since they both have more money, jobs, and more gay bars, but I dont want to get into economics because Im too busy to stay informed and I don't have time to read CNN. Anyway, as you know I am a prolific ART-maker – I’ve even coined the term “ARTer” to describe someone who works with the ARTs like I do.

And I’ve created a whole slew of ARTPOOP for you. What is ARTPOOP? ARTPOOP is a call to arms, it’s the cry of the collective unconscious, it’s a gallery show that is more than a gallery show – it’s not just ART , it’s a bunch of makeup wipes and some paper haphazardly stuck to two walls. Best of all, ARTPOOP is in my favorite of all places: the mall. You can see ARTPOOP from now until February 28th in top floor of the Pioneer Place Mall, at PLACE Gallery just across the way from Weight Watchers and that video game store where people have comb-overs.

I’ve always thought of myself as not just an art piece but also as a product barely fit for mass consumption, so I fit in just right alongside designer handbags, push-up bras, and self-serve frozen yogurt. Best of all, I will be creating a special performance JUST FOR YOU (it’s not just for you, but you can believe me if you want) at ARTPOOP’s second opening reception on Saturday, February 15th from 6 – 9 PM. At my first opening performance I was worshipped by muscled boys in underwear while I passed out on the floor in cutting-edge crinoline couture.

What will I do this time?

Come find out for yourself on February 15th!

come artpoop with me.

facebook.com/hudsonology hudsonology.tumblr.com Carla Rossi: A finer whine, there never was.

PREMIERE February 7th, 2014

41

DX eP ier re m #P

ier

DX P e

em r #P #PremierePD X

#PremierePDX These are some #PremierePDX tags that we’ve found on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Thanks! And, by the way... #HeresWhatWeThink Don’t forget to hashtag and to follow these awesome people! #Werq #BowtieFTW #ImSingleIfYouAre

The End PREMIERE Volume 1 Issue 1

#WontYouBeMyNeighbor #IthinkImYourNeighbor #IShareAWallWithYou #Awkward