Celebrating a legend
The Carousel Club. The Palace Club. The Diamond Head. They’re all part of Orlando’s LGBT nightlife history, and soon, one of its legendary performers will be too. Lorrie Del Mar, preeminent drag artist and multiple title-holder, has announced her retirement from the stage. Known for her extreme over-the-top performances (she once famously rode a horse into Miami’s Fountainebleau ballroom during a pageant), Del Mar’s triumphs in the spotlight took a tragic turn in 1984 when a car accident left her partially disabled. Del Mar’s career will be celebrated in “A Farewell Tribute,” Monday, July 21, at The Parliament House. An all-star cast of presenters and performers, including several of her former fellow Footlight Players costars, are scheduled to appear in the 9 p.m. show. Advance tickets are $8 at Wanzie.com or $10 at the door.
Hunter, RBARR part ways
In a sudden shake up of their entertainment line-up, RBARR general manager Daniel Vega has confirmed that “Unfortunately, Danielle Hunter is no long with us.” Hunter was hired as RBARR’s resident host and emcee and was formerly on the entertainment staff of Funky Monkey Wine Bar and Bananas. The new gig was a homecoming of sorts, since she once performed at Revolution, which once occupied the RBARR building. Tasha Long is now manning the heels at RBARR as the new host and emcee.
Pride on Wheels!
Come Out with Pride hopes to take care of all your downtown transportation and parking hassles! It’s known that COWP hopes to partner with SunRail to provide a Saturday Run on Oct. 11. Now, despite Uber’s controversy with the city of Orlando and local taxi service giants like Mears, COWP has announced the ride sharing service as an official partner to COWP. With the major success many riders experienced with Uber’s low rates and quick and clean service during Gay Days weekend, the service has only grown since it’s early June launch.
Brink is the new Clink
On July 26 Brink Orlando capitalizes on the continued success of Orange is the New Black by playing host to an arresting duo: Taryn Manning, who plays religious meth-head Tiffany ‘Pennsatucky’ Doggett, and Dascha Polanco, who plays Dayanara Diaz, the girl behind bars expecting the guard’s baby! The popular NetFlix series is a huge hit with the LGBT community due to its comedic take on life behind bars, lesbian themes and a transgender actress and character. Aside from the two ladies making a special appearance at Brink, Manning has been locked down as a guest DJ, since she’s an accomplished musician and DJ.
