Hello! Here is a collection of drag queens starting with my photos of the Chicago Gay Pride Parade in 1976, 2008 and 2011. Next are photos of two events that my daughter Alex White of White Mystery Band organized at the Chicago Loop Activate and Skate Night 2019 with Drag Queens at SPIN, Chicago. Please scroll down for names of the performers. Feel free to contact me with any questions that you may have!
Skate Night 2019 with Drag Queens at SPIN, Chicago Chicago Loop “Activate” 2019 Drag Queens EventIn 2019, the Chicago Loop Alliance hosted the ACTIVATE: Green Room pop-up arts program in the alley behind the Symphony Center, transforming the space into a vibrant drag and performance venue. The event was part of the City of Chicago’s Year of Chicago Theatre and featured top drag queens and kings performing iconic songs from beloved musicals Loop Chicago+1.Event Highlights
Date & Time: Thursday, July 18, 2019, 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM Loop Chicago
Location: Symphony Center Alley, 220 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL Loop Chicago
Curated by: White Mystery and A Queer Pride, in partnership with the Chicago Loop Alliance Foundation and presenting sponsor The School of the Art Institute of Chicago www.whitemysteryband.com
Free to the public with optional RSVP for a free drink ticket www.whitemysteryband.com
Drag Performers The evening showcased a diverse lineup of drag artists, including:
Bambi Banks Couleè
Danika Bone’t Cleo Pockalipps Denali Aunty Chan
Bella DeBalle
Lucy Stoole
Alexis Bevels
KAT SASS
Grelley Duvall
Ari Gato
Travis Fiero
Pangaea
That Bitch
XO Carrington
Girlboifriend
Chanel Mercedes-Benz
Alex Jenny
Average
Brian Bandura www.whitemysteryband.com
Art & Performance Elements The drag performances were set against larger-than-life pop art, inflatable sculptures, and eye-popping set designs. Guests could:
Try theatrical makeup transformation stations
Use an interactive video booth
Enjoy House and techno DJ sets by Ariel Zetina and Miss Twink USA www.whitemysteryband.com
Skate Night 2019 with Drag Queens at SPIN, Chicago In June 2019, SPIN in Chicago transformed into a free roller skating rink for one night only as part of A Queer Pride’s Over the Rainbow event, celebrating Chicago Pride with music, skating, and drag performances Do312+1. Event details
Date: Saturday, June 15, 2019
Time: 7:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Location: SPIN, Chicago
Cost: Free to skate (BYOWheels or $5 skate rental via 1833) Do312+1
Curated by: A Queer Pride
Rink guards: Chicago Shred Union Do312
Performers & acts
DJs: Ariel Zetina & White Mystery Do312
Hosts: Abhijeet & Bambi Banks-Couleé Do312
Skater shows: Alexis Bevels, Denali, Her? Do312
Queens on Wheels: Chicago Outfit Roller Derby, Gnat, Melissa Bitch, Siichele, Ramona Slick Do312
Highlights
The venue was stripped of ping pong tables and transformed into a large roller rink.
The drag and roller derby acts blended performance art with skating, creating a vibrant, inclusive atmosphere.
The event combined music, skating, and queer culture, making it a standout Pride celebration in Chicago Do312+1.
If you’re looking for a similar experience, SPIN has hosted other “Skate Nights” with drag and music, such as Match Made in Heaven in February 2019, which also featured White Mystery DJs and retro fashion shows on wheels Do312.
