Lady Bunny (and co-organizer Scott Lifshutz) started it all 100 years ago with Wigstock, that’s Drag Herstory, ya know. But Bun-Bun doles out the praise for Brooklyn’s 4 year-old Bushwig on her own blog (which you can follow here)…
“I had a blast performing at Bushwig yesterday! They had originally booked me on Sunday but I screwed up my schedule and forgot that I am performing in Roanoke today. So they were kind enough to switch me and I literally flew off the stage and ran to a waiting car service to get to VA on the last flight yesterday. Since I left my apartment in drag and don’t normally pack for a 2 day trip to do a show in NYC, I almost forgot to pack my sneakers. Can you imagine the hilarity and tragedy if I’d raced out to Bushwig, performed, scrubbed off the drag and then realized that I only had pumps to wear with “mens’ clothes” to the airport! Looking like the oldest and fattest member of Kazaky! I know how to command respect in international airports.
The vibe of Bushwig was electrifying with a wild spirit which even a little rain couldn’t dampen. These gals had their festival, now in it’s 4th year, better organized than Wigstock in it’s 10th year. Great sound and stage, revelers in and out of drag and one with wig and heels and nothing else. Lady Simon, a Brooklyn favorite, was doing a performance art piece consisting of tying herself to a tree near the entrance. Vegan snack bars, a Sober Sissies space, singers performing interesting original music and unlike most gay events–no Britney or Rihanna. Amen to that!
I’ve heard some bitching about the cover charge. And I get it–no one is rich these days, especially the artsy types who would appreciate Bushwig the most. I can’t justify paying over $300 to see the Book Of Mormon myself, even though I hear it’s sick, twisted and has revolutionized Broadway. So if you can’t, you can’t. But remember that expression you’ve got to PAY THE PIPER? Here’s the definition of it: “bear the consequences of an action or activity that one has enjoyed. As in ‘we will have to pay the piper, and the price is apt to be a high one.’
The Bushwig queens are trying to bring something funky and unique to a stale and corporate NYC. It’s blossomed into a 3 day event because it is a scream. Sound systems, stages, graphics, websites and wigs don’t create themselves. I can tell you for a fact that Matty Horrorchata’s dress must have cost literally thousands… of pennies. KIDDING! (Actually, it was a mini-muumuu which she claimed was inspired by me. Oink!) So, if you like refreshingly kooky drag and don’t support the events which feature it, yet you complain about how NYC has lost it, maybe it’s you who’s lost it. There’s nothing like actually connecting with a bunch of freaks at an outdoor festival. That’s all Wigstock was. I know it’s hard to pry yourselves away from your devices and you can wait and see the pics and videos online. But today’s the last day–go pack the place, cheer them on and Occupy All Freaks!”
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