"The San Francisco Drag King Contest is a mash-up of the Miss America Pageant, American Idol, Halloween and a Monster Truck Show," impresario Fudgie Frottage said.
“It’s a huge event,” says judge Simone DeLaGetto. “Everyone dresses up in their finest. It’s a celebration of ‘being,’ not just expressing yourself as a gender — a celebration of self, of being able to go out and have a good time. And, at the same time, there’s a part that’s just over-the-top cheesiness. But the energy is so high.”
Called "one of the most boisterous parties of the year," by the San Francisco Chronicle, it’s also "sexy, campy, dragalicious, professionally executed and full of talent," according to the San Francisco Bay Times.
The event is co-hosted by Fudgie Frottage, "The Man with The Biggest Balls in Show Business," and "Internationally Renowned Burlesque Chanteuse, Comic and Siren," The Indra, "a bi-sexual, bi-polar, half male, half female" character.
The star-studded event will showcase Fakin' Aiken, reigning 2007 Solo King for his impeccable Clay Aiken impersonation; The Pacmen, 2007 troupe winners for their choreography; Kitty Kitty Bang Bang, glamorous aerialist burlesque troupe; and special guest, Electro, The Pop n' lock King, SF Drag King 2000 titleholder (when the contest was only 5 years old). The band The Mighty Slim Pickins will also perform, but the gender bending contestants will be the center of attention.
Contestants are judged on talent, creativity, studliness, sex appeal, originality, humor, make-up/facial hair and fashion by the illustrious panel of nationally known celebrity judges, including 2006 Drag King Titleholder Buck Naked, Simone DeLaGetto of Harlem Shake Burlesque and Sister Roma of The Tim and Roma Show and Hot House Video.
The 13th Annual SF Drag King Contest will take place Saturday, Aug. 16 at the DNA Lounge, 375 11th Street, in San Francisco. Doors open at 8 p.m., show at 9 p.m. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Advance tickets are also available at Retro Fit Vintage, 910 Valencia, San Francisco; Madame S, 385 8th Street, San Francisco; and online at DNALounge.com.
Dress Code: Drag: King, Queen, Faux, Fetish, Formal, High Femme, and Festive.
Sponsors for the event are Vixen Creations, Buck Angel, Glama-Rama, Black & Blue Tattoo, Good Vibrations, Costumes on Haight, Mr. S. Leather, Pretzel's Yoga, SF Bay Guardian, and the Center for Sex and Culture.