Catch up on episode one, two and three. This week’s challenge is Judge Beep Beep’s favorite, Drag Roulette, but it takes a different form than in previous seasons. A week ago, the contestants were given a sheet of songs to memorize completely, one of which would be chosen at random for them to perform. In past […]
drag kings
Posted inArts & Entertainment
‘Star Search: All Stars’ Ep. 2: Hats are thrown into the ring as girl groups perform, alliances form
For those uninitiated, Star Search: All Stars is a live, weekly reality competition show in Iowa City’s Studio 13, that’s basically the region’s own RuPaul’s Drag Race. There’s been five previous seasons, but this one is special: it’s an all winners and almost-winners lineup. Each contestant has competed before and was a crowd favorite. […]
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Is it hot in here? A local erotica writer reviews Bawdy Bawdy Ha Ha’s sexy burlesque circus
No animals were harmed by Bawdy Bawdy Ha Ha, Iowa’s premier burlesque ensemble, in the presentation of their circus-themed variety shows last month. But you could still hear plenty of hooting and hollering from the wild animals in the audience of the adults-only Cirque Sensuale — including Yours Truly.
Posted inArts & Entertainment
The ultimate Iowa City drag competition has begun, and the sparks are flying already. Here’s your intro to ‘Star Search: All Stars’
You don’t know Iowa drag if you don’t know Studio 13’s Star Search. And if you don’t know Star Search, you can start your education with Star Search: All Stars. The new season premiered this past weekend, and you’re going to want to clear out your Sundays, 9-11 p.m., for about the next nine weeks. […]
Posted inCommunity/News
Drag ordinances in three Iowa cities are unconstitutional, argues ACLU of Iowa
This story originally appeared in LV Daily, Little Village’s Monday-Friday email newsletter. Sign up to have it delivered for free to your inbox. On Tuesday, the ACLU of Iowa sent letters to the city councils of Dyersville, Pella and Waukee advising them to revise their ordinances restricting drag shows because they are unconstitutional. All three […]
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Belle’s Basix, Cedar Rapids’ only LGBTQ bar, is closing — unless a new owner steps up
After a quarter century, Belle’s Basix, an iconic Cedar Rapids bar and one of only a handful of LGBTQ night spots in eastern Iowa, may soon close for good. “Unless someone buys the business, the bar will be permanently closed on Feb. 1st,” owner Andrew Harrison wrote in a late Sunday night Facebook post. “If […]
Posted inCommunity/News
Photo Gallery: Iowa City celebrates 50 years of Pride
Iowa City held its 50th annual Pride celebration on Saturday. This year’s Pride would’ve been the 51st, but Iowa City Pride 2020 was canceled due to the pandemic. Iowa City first celebrated Pride in 1970, when the Gay Liberation Front marched in the University of Iowa’s homecoming parade. Organizers decided not to hold Pride’s traditional […]
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Hazy Buchanan, the groundbreaking Miss Iowa City titleholder, offers advice ahead of the 2020 pageant
With Iowa City Pride Week still five months away, the community could use a dose of charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent. Iowa City Pride will host their annual Mr. and Miss Iowa City competition at Studio 13 on Sunday. Last year, Hazy Buchanan, a drag queen who identifies as a woman, both in and outside of drag, was dubbed Miss Iowa City.
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Portrait of the artist: Amelia Bucks, burlesque dancer
Muscatine native Irene Jara has been a burlesque dancer for just shy of a year, dancing with local burlesque troupe the Heartland Bombshells. While Jara identifies as genderfluid, their burlesque identity, Amelia Bucks, embodies all things feminine.
