The stage at Harmony Cafe in downtown Appleton will come alive Saturday with artists whose performances will playfully challenge the mainstream concept of gender.

“Winter Drag Wonderland,” an event that combines fashion modeling with stage performances such as singing, dancing, or lip-synch routines, is an invitation for the community to experience a form of personal and artistic expression that some may consider unconventional for the Fox Cities.

Drag shows aren’t new to the community but typically have occurred in bars, said Jesse Heffernan, facilitator of the GLBT Partnership, a support group for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning teens ages 14 to 18, and their peer allies.

The event at the cafe spotlights drag performance in a public space that’s more accessible to various age groups, including the group’s members, who are sponsoring the event, Heffernan said.

“We try to have outreach programs like this at least four times a year,” said Heffernan, 27. “One of the (professional) performers had actually come up to us and expressed the idea to do a show. The kids have pulled together and they’re going to do decorations. Some of them want to perform. A couple of them are going to be emceeing and hosting the event.”

A few professional drag queens — men who perform as women — and drag kings, who are women performing as men, will showcase their talents Saturday.

Sharona Walton of Appleton, a drag king who goes by the stage name “Suga Brown,” has several pageant honors to her credit.

“I like Usher a lot so usually I do anything R&B,” said Walton, 28. “I don’t necessarily impersonate (him) but I might learn the dance routines from videos.”

The professional performers also will judge an amateur contest. Think light-hearted pageant with no formalwear requirements. People can sign up at the door to perform a talent dressed in drag, and also must be willing to answer a few impromptu, and maybe seasonal, questions. (Tip from Walton: Brush up on Santa’s reindeer lineup.)

The contest is all in fun but in all seriousness, Walton said, the winner will represent Harmony Cafe in the community as “Winter Wonderland 2007.”

“I want it to be somebody that’s outgoing, not afraid to talk about things or help out with the different programs that are there,” Walton said.

A suggested $3 donation will help support further outreach of the GLBT Partnership.
The event is an addition to a long list of diverse programs that Harmony Cafe houses. In any given month people of all ages can view artwork, hear bands, play chess and share in open mic performances, among other events.

The cafe is a program of Goodwill Industries of North Central Wisconsin, and all sales income from the nonprofit coffeehouse feeds back into community initiatives.
“We’re just trying to expand our diversity, if anything,” Heffernan said. “This is a growth experience for Harmony Cafe as well.”