Sold-out drag show raises money for charity
FORWARD TWP — Flashing lights, sparkling clothes and makeup and nails to match, drag queens hit center stage in front of a sold out crowd for a Sunday brunch.
Around 150 people showed up for the drag show at the Beacon Hotel, which served as both a birthday party and fundraising effort.
Chandler Krelow, daughter of the business’ owner, Deb Krelow, celebrated her 25th birthday, and she picked the charity that proceeds from a basket raffle would go toward.
She chose the Trevor Project, a nonprofit organization that describes itself as the largest suicide prevention and crisis organization for the LGBTQIA community, according to its website.
Chandler Krelow said she also likes that the organization helps support young members of the LGBTQIA community who have become homeless as a result of being disowned by their families.
“Getting disowned at an early age because of those you love is detrimental to me,” Chandler Krelow said. “I’m fortunate to have loving and accepting parents.”
Chandler Krelow said she married her wife, Kat, in September on her family’s nearby property. She said she has always felt supported by her family, and from the sold-out crowd Sunday, she feels there is more love and acceptance in the Butler County community today.
“I’ve been crying throughout the whole show,” Chandler Krelow said. “If you would have told me at 12 years old, I would host a drag brunch in my hometown I wouldn’t believe you.”
As the show’s host, Luna Skye, entered the room as music blasted through speakers. Sky asked the crowd to raise its hands if they had ever been to a drag show before. A handful did.
Sky then asked who was in the crowd was seeing one for the first time. Though not all raised their hand, there seemed to be a collective acknowledgment that for most, it was the first time.
Sky then announced and invited out co-stars Calipso and Dixie. All three had an opportunity to entertain the crowd to dancing and lip-syncing with popular music.
Stephanie Connolly, of Forward Township, said she had never been to a drag show before, but "loved it.“ She said she would be interested in seeing another.
Of the performers, Connolly said Calipso was her favorite, though she said all of queens were gorgeous.
“Honestly, she (Calipso) is beautiful,” Connolly said.
Michael Steinmiller, of Shaler Township, said he is no stranger to drag shows, and he has seen some of Sunday’s performers at other shows.
“I think they put on a spectacular show,” Steinmiller said. “It’s nice they came to another venue and got exposed to a new crowd.”
The queens said they enjoyed exploring a new place for their show.
Following the show Calipso, formerly of Venezuela and now living in Pittsburgh, said the crowd in Butler County is a little different than in other places, but not in a bad way.
“As long as they’re having fun, I’m having fun,” Calipso said. “I would love to be back. I love the venue. It’s a good energy here.”
Skye said the crowd’s reaction surpassed their expectations and is looking forward to coming back.
“People didn’t even know this could happen in this area,” Skye said. “They never thought something like this would happen here.”
