Maybe you’ve heard of Flip Phone? They host multiple popup drag parties around the Twin Cities. Their drag brunch series at the Union Rooftop on Saturdays has been a hot commodity. This week the theme was Harry Potter. I am a little embarrassed to admit that i’ve never been to any sort of live drag performance. Sure, i’ve seen people dressed in drag and yes of course I love the esthetic of it. But i’ve never actually been to a full fledged drag event. I wasn’t disappointed. There were good vibes all around and everyone, esspecially the performers, were having a good time.
I took the elevator up to the rooftop of Union with some of the other brunch goers. They were dressed in maroon and gold Gryffindor attire. The doors opened and I felt like I had been transported to the wizarding world of Hogwarts. There was a bartender in full Slitherine school girl drag and even a Gryffindor quidditch player.
Guests began to take their seats and mimosas began circulating. As the performers began their acts the crowd began waving one dollar bills in the air. Each performer completely embraced their characters. You could see their personalities pop from each performance.
I loved the humor, spunk and quirkiness of Utica Queen. Utica rocked her performances as Moaning Myrtle, Luna Lovegood and Sybill Trelawney. I was esspecially in love with and impressed with her Sybill Trelawney act. It was perfect and embodied the character from the movie SO WELL.
Did I mention there were drag kings there too? Vincent the Destroyer killed it as Lucius Malfoy, Harry Potter himself and the infamous Voldemort. By far Voldemort was my favorite. The performance was spot-on and HIL-AR-I-OUS as Vincent twerked with his snake to Anaconda by Nicki Minaj. Dandy Randy also showed out for the kings for one song. Man could he sing.
Ever heard of RuPaul’s Drag Race? Then you may have heard of Phi Phi O’Hara. Phi Phi has competed on the show twice and brunch goers got to see the queen work her magic. She performed as Dolores Umbridge, Bellatrix Lestrange and Rita Skeeter. I was so impressed with her Umbridge performance. The outfit, hair, and makeup was perfect and she had such a presence during her performances.
It wasn’t all just fun and games. Outfront Minnesota was also there raising money and awareness for the LGBTQ community. “OutFront Minnesota’s mission is to create a state where lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people are free to be who they are, love who they love, and live without fear of violence, harassment or discrimination.” You can donate to the cause at www.outfront.org. Minnesota Pins was also there selling pins incase you wanted to sport a little somethin’ somethin’ fierce. 10% of their profits went to Outfront Minnesota.
Overall, I am glad I made it out to the Union Rooftop. I walked away smiling and the sun was shining on the rooftop. It was a successful Saturday afternoon in Minneapolis and I am glad I popped my drag brunch cherry.