Jimmy talks to drag queen and Beyonce impersonator Briana Douglas and publisher Rob Schlegel. Briana talks about how she got started in Las Vegas drag and her life as a rapper. Schlegel, publisher and editor for the Las Vegas Spectrum and Nevada Impact, talks about his Progressive Voters Guide.
See the new How to Jimmy Vegas show below.
“Things look swell, things look great, gonna have the whole world on a plate!” Just like the famous lyrics from the Broadway Musical “Gypsy,” I’m so thrilled to announce the all-new upcoming show – “Broadway FIERCE!! Brought to you by the amazing Derek Daniels! Derek has asked me to be a part of one of his new ventures, which is coming to the Dust Club on Sept. 28.
I am honored to be a part of this show. Derek is famous for producing “over-the-top” production shows for smaller venues. A native of Hawaii, Derek came to Las Vegas to produce and promote Hawaiian culture and all forms of singing, dancing and showmanship. Derek is known for fully choreographed productions and over-the-top costumes designed by the man himself!
He has his own production company, a warehouse to store all the props, costumes and headdresses, and a studio for rehearsals and fittings.
It was then my turn to ask Derek to be a part of my new show venture, “La Cage Cabaret.” Last month, we presented our first “La Cage Cabaret” show at The Composers Room at the Commercial Center at 953 E. Sahara Ave. The show was so successful that we were asked to return for two more shows shortly! Here is a look at the cast from the last show:
Our next show is slated for Sept. 29 at The Composers Room. It was a no-brainer to ask Derek to help produce it and make it a little different. So, we put our heads together and came up with a show that spotlights ALL types of drag talent! I’m thrilled to announce the new version of La Cage Cabaret presents Circus Fierce.
Circus Fierce not only presents some of the top female impersonators in Las Vegas but also a bevy of original acts, featuring Derek as the host “ringmaster.” The acts include Taeya Mimosa, Akasha L’Statt, Reecez Sexton, Caeliana Sexton, Blake Border, Michelle Bell, Las Vegas legends La Wanda Jackson, Briana Douglas and yours truly, Jimmy Emerson.
There will be a pre-show presentation before the show starts, specials on drinks and food, and the show will begin at 7 p.m., followed immediately by a meet-and-greet. Bring your cameras for pictures with the cast!
In other news, a benefit fundraiser was held last week to help our dear friend and promoter, Mel Cole. Mel has been diagnosed with throat cancer, and although he will not be able to speak, the operation and treatments to follow are looking good. The event was held at the Phoenix club on Sahara Aug. 31, raising over $5,000 to help him with medical expenses.
Mel has been a huge supporter of the LBGTQIA+ community for many years. Like many businesses in Las Vegas and all over, Mel had a successful business dependent on the tourist trade. Many businesses (including mine) suffered when the pandemic happened, especially those catering to tourists. It’s sad when a person works all their life to create a lucrative business only to disappear suddenly.
On a different subject, the annual Black & White Party benefiting AFAN (Aid for AIDS of Nevada) was held on Sept. 14, celebrating 40 years. I could not attend this year, but I have attended many times.
Photo courtesy of AFAN
AFAN was one of the first charities I supported when I first moved to Las Vegas in 1984 at the height of the AIDS crisis. There were several AIDS charities at the time, including NAP (Nevada AIDS Project) and Golden Rainbow, raising money mainly for housing HIV and AIDS victims. I had just moved from Houston, where I was very involved with AIDS fundraising, and I just kept doing as much as I could to help the many friends, some of that I had lost.
I want to a shout out to Las Vegas’ newest club and entertainment venue, DUST club on 855 E. Twain. Owner Ryan Bandy has created amazing events for every night of the week. He has welcomed the Hispanic community as part of the weekly entertainment. I have been asked to perform there anytime I want, and I can’t tell you how nice that makes me feel. Best of luck to Ginger Grant’s Sunday Brunches and JC Lopez for bringing good talent to the club. See you there.
