All of the performers join on stage one last time to thank the audience. (Photo by Shayne Watson)
ORLANDO | Southern Nights Orlando is no stranger to the drag scene, but on Jan. 25, the establishment switched it up and hosted a different kind of drag show known as a Turnabout event.
Turnabout is a special event where everyday staff members dress and perform in drag to help support The Barber Fund, an all-volunteer organization helping those battling cancer.
“I hope people get a sense of community,” Turnabout host Sassy Devine says. “To just come together for a really great cause and raise money for people that are in desperate need.”
The performers ranged from bartenders, managers, barback and even loyal customers. Devine, along with Roxxxy Andrews, hosted the event and mentored some of the performances on stage.
Devine says she has been in the drag industry for over 20 years and has had the opportunity to mentor several people, and if they are good enough, she claims them as her children.
“They are all good and I’m proud that I had so many here tonight doing something good,” Devine says.
Every year there are new staff members that participate in Turnabout, and Devine says it’s also a different generation of up-and-coming individuals involved with the bar.
“It’s always my favorite seeing individuals that have never done it before,” Devine says. “I always say if you’ve never done drag before, you need to experience it, so you have a different level of respect for what you do and see.”
First-time performer, Chanel Cavalli, says she was unfazed during her performance because she has her best friends with her on stage. Cavalli and friends performed to a mix of their favorite Black Pink songs and copied a bit of the original choreography.
“I had four girls on stage with me, so we definitely needed to rehearse blocking, timing and formations, but we turned up,” Cavalli says.
This event has been going on for eight years raising money in honor of John “Tweeka” Barber, who passed away in 2011 while fighting Sinonasal Carcinoma Cancer. Barber was an entertainer and philanthropist in the Orlando community, and The Barber Fund was created to keep his spirit alive.
The organization helps families by paying some household expenses so they can focus on healing. The Barber Fund has helped with mortgages, power bills, medical bills, phone bills, groceries, chaperoned appointments, animal care and more.
“The Barber Fund means a lot to us, it’s nice to see people be selfless and put themselves in an embarrassing situation to raise money for something good,” Devine says.
There are multiple ways to join the fight against cancer. For more information check out The Barber Fund’s website.
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