The crew from the new Dust Las vegas dropped in the studio to talk about their shows and fun they have planned for all of us. Click here to watch the show.
So much has happened in the last few weeks that it’s hard to know where to start. My biggest news is that I have booked my new show, “La Cage Cabaret,” at the all-new Composer’s Room in Las Vegas. The Composer’s Room is a newly updated cabaret and club that hosts all sorts of shows, mainly featuring local live performers and musicians. We will perform our show on Saturday, Aug. 10, at 7 p.m. Buy tickets here.
The show will feature myself, along with longtime friend and co-host Mr. Tommi Rose. Tommi and I have both performed around the world in different comedy and drag shows, both as comedy acts and hosts. In this new version of the well-known “La Cage” brand, we will be doing a lot of duet comedy numbers and sharing the microphone to introduce the different acts.
Longtime cast members from the Las Vegas Strip, including Mr. Steven Wayne and Mr. Sammy Gonzales, are featured in this version of La Cage Cabaret. As an added feature, we have the fantastic Ada Vox as our special guest! Ada recently gained notoriety from her appearances on such shows as “American Idol” and “Queen of the Universe,” a Ru Paul production.
Ultimately, I aim to book the show into a showroom on the Strip or Downtown full-time with a rotating cast. Buy your tickets now at www.TheComposersRoom.com and www.WhatsUp.Vegas)
Thoughts on local Drag Queens:
It’s no secret that I have been around the Las Vegas drag scene for about a thousand years! During that time, I have encountered all sorts of talent, personalities, professionals, amateurs, up-and-coming performers and downright AWFUL people! I like to focus on the good. Last Sunday night, after seeing my friend Murray Sawchuck’s new show, Murray’s Misfits, my group stopped by the newly opened “Dust Club and Pub” located at 855 E. Twain Ave. (formally owned by yours truly) and hung out with owner Ryan Bandy and the GM (great friend) JC Lopez.
I was thrilled when one of my favorite entertainers, Brianna Douglas, came over, sat with me and my bunch, laughed, talked and caught up. Brianna does an incredible “Beyoncé” and other characters and is not to be missed!
It’s challenging to speak poorly of an entertainer, as I know how hard it is to make it in show biz. I have been fortunate to get to where I am and have had a remarkable career doing something that I really love. That old saying: “Find a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life” is so very true. However, I certainly have had my share of “regular” jobs. I’ve done it all: bartending, retail sales, cab driving, waiter, paper delivery, answering phones, just about everything, and it has ALL taught me to be thankful whenever I get to perform for a living! My advice to those starting out, not just drag, but any type of performing, is that it is the MOST DIFFICULT business to succeed in. You need talent, perseverance, patience beyond your wildest dreams and a passion to NEVER give up! You never know when your big break is just around the corner. I know it sounds corny, but it’s true. Growing up, my dear friend was like a second mother to me. Her name was Skipper Free. Skipper loved to entertain and was loud, crazy and very funny. As a child, when I was about 12 years old, she told me in no uncertain terms, “Jimmy, you can’t be afraid!” If you want to be a star, it doesn’t just take talent. it takes BALLS!!! Go ahead and make a fool of yourself. You will learn what works and what doesn’t. Go out there and do your best, and don’t look back!
This advice touched me because I saw Skipper doing it; she was always a hit at a gathering or party. She was not a professional entertainer but a lady barber. She would cut men’s hair and have them laughing the whole time. The men would always come back to her for haircuts and shaves. These men were pillars of our community: the mayor, council members, police officers, you name it. They always had a fundraiser or event that they would ask Skipper to host. She did very well and will always be my mentor.
I love Murray Sawchuck!
I have known Murray Sawchuck for many years now. We met at the Riviera during the years when I was doing the “Evening at La Cage” show, and he was guest-starring in the “Crazy Girls” show downstairs from us. Of course, Murray went on with his magic show to many venues on and off the Strip and around the globe. His most recent show is titled: “Murray’s Misfits.” Last Sunday, I had the honor to see the show at the Centerfolds Cabaret (on Paradise Road, formally known as the Club Paradise). The show is hosted by Murray’s beautiful wife, Dani Elizabeth, a hilarious and charming performer. Murray presents his cast of “misfits,” some of whom I’ve known for a while and some new ones that blew me away. SO MUCH fun! Mr. Joe Trammel (another alumni of “Crazy Girls) was one of the featured acts. He had the audience screaming and laughing at his antics and craziness. I don’t know how else to describe it. It’s like Rip Taylor, Carrot Top and Richard Simmons all rolled into one. Also on the bill is the amazing Shell Stachowicz, who has impressive acrobatic skills. Murray messaged me and said I would be an excellent act for the Misfits show. I’m going to take that as a compliment!