BOXX

Pandora Boxx

 Pandora Boxx’s new dance album, BOXX, is her most personal work ever.  It’s fun and quirky, and while most of her previous releases were a tad on the dirty side, BOXX is totally PG.  Pandora wrote all of the tracks and admits to having a soft spot for them all.  She’s drawn to the single ‘Pill’ because the song combines a rock vibe meshed with one of her favorite stories, Alice in Wonderland, and  depicts some real-life struggles she has faced as an adult. “I also really love ‘Stars’ because it is a tribute to Star Trek and is about me as a kid, dreaming that I could travel to the stars.”  There is also “Raspberries,” Pandora’s ode to Carol Channing that  marks her farewell to the impersonation she famously performed on Rupaul's Drag Race; and “Gay”, her response to Governor DeSantis’ horrific Don't Say Gay legislation.  Then, of course, there is “Dance”, the album’s first release that Pandora penned for the little boy she was: mercilessly picked on at school, who would come home, lock his bedroom door, flip on a Madonna cd and dance his troubles away.   “Dance is a song for everyone,” Pandora explains. “It encourages people not to pay any mind to what others think and to dance like no one is watching.” Pandora Boxx’s BOXX is  available on streaming platforms, along with its first single “Dance”.  The Dance music video is on YouTube.

 

“I have loved music since I was a kid. It was often my escape from the world,” Pandora Boxx continues from her home in Los Angeles.  “Sometimes the world becomes too much and too cruel. When I was younger, it was bold and fabulous pop stars like Cyndi Lauper and Boy George who made me think being different was not just ok but something to cherish.”

 

Pandora Boxx was born Michael R. Steck in Jamestown, NY.  She grew up with her mom, dad and younger sister and recalls her childhood being a mixed bag of nuts. “My mom was wonderful. My father, not so much.” 

 

She knew she wanted to be an artist since she was five-years-old when she, as Michael, won a greeting card contest. His design was made into an Easter card and sold in stores! It was a drawing of young Michael walking his rabbit on a leash (which he actually did). The card read: Get into the Easter habit, go out and walk your rabbit.

 

In the fifth grade, Michael wrote a play called “The Trouble with Christmas” and performed it for his entire school. His mother even directed it!   Michael recalls always creating and dreaming. After the first season of RuPaul’s Drag Race, he knew he was supposed to be on the show. “It was just a strong gut feeling. I had interviewed RuPaul years before Drag Race and at the end of the interview Ru said, ‘I hope I come across you in my travels.’ In my head, I said, oh you definitely will.” For season two, Michael, as Pandora, made the best audition video she could and it worked.

 

Pandora Boxx placed fifth in the second season of RuPaul's Drag Race, winning the title of Miss Congeniality.  She subsequently returned for the first and sixth seasons of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars. Boxx has also appeared in all three seasons of the show’s spin-off series, RuPaul's Drag U.

 

“I think some people may realize after listening to BOXX that I am much more than the Pandora that they’ve seen on television,” the artist reflects.  “The first show aired in 2010, and I’m not even the same person I was then. Back then, I didn’t talk about my relationship because he didn’t sign up for all that. We’ve been together for almost 19 years and he’s always been there for me. Ian is my rock.” 

 

“I think I’m at a point where I’m ready to branch out and try new things and other avenues,” Pandora continues.  She has also been doing some internal work and therapy. “I think healing yourself can make your mind more open to create better artistry. I try to be more thankful of opportunities I have enjoyed and not focus on what other people have. This album has been a journey and I’m excited for people to listen to it.”

 

Brandon James Gwinn produced all of the tracks on BOXX except for the songs “Swish” and “Hey”, which were produced by Electropoint.  The album is executive produced by Michael R. Steck, Parvesh Cheena, Amelia Black and Bruce Peters.

 

“I’m dedicating this album to anyone who has ever felt like they didn’t belong,” Pandora Boxx adds. “For all those weirdos like me, who buck the norm and are true to themselves. Also, to everyone who believed in my artistry, especially Brandon James Gwinn, my producer, without whom this album wouldn’t be what it is.”

 

Pandora Boxx’s BOXX and  its first single “Dance” are available on streaming platforms.  

 

Visit https://pandoraboxx.com.  
Follow Pandora Boxx on Instagram @ pandoraboxx  

Drag Isn't Dangerous

A coalition of LGBTQ media groups and companies is teaming up to fight back against harmful political and media narratives about drag performers and trans people. The "Drag Isn't Dangerous" campaign aims to raise awareness and funds for LGBTQ causes and organizations that support drag and trans performers, especially in areas that are under attack.

Led by Producer Entertainment Group (PEG), GLAAD, Q.Digital, OUTtv, Five Senses Reeling, Trixie Cosmetics, SERV Vodka, and other companies, the "Drag Isn't Dangerous" campaign will kick off with a social media and digital awareness campaign. The campaign's website, www.dragisntdangerous.com, will offer resources and information on how to support local drag performers and LGBTQ causes.

The highlight of the campaign is a one-night-only telethon on Sunday, May 7, at www.moment.co/dangerous. Hosted by a wide range of drag performers and celebrities, the event will feature a mix of live and pre-taped performances, appearances, and testimonials from drag performers, LGBTQ entertainers and straight celebrity allies. Initial confirmed talent includes Alaska, BeBe Zahara Benet, Bob The Drag Queen, Brandon Stansell, Darienne Lake, Desmond Is Amazing, Divina De Campo, Eureka O’Hara, Frankie Grande, Ginger Minj, Jackie Beat, Jiggly Caliente, Jinkx Monsoon, Jujubee, Justin Martindale, Katya, Kerri Colby, Laganja Estranja, Manila Luzon, Miz Cracker, Monét X Change, Nina West, Peppermint, Salina EsTitties, Sherry Vine, Trinity The Tuck and Trixie Mattel with many more names to be announced. All net proceeds from the event will be divided among approved charities that support LGBTQ causes and drag performers in need, especially in states where they face discrimination and bans. None of the performers or organizers are taking fees for their work on the campaign.

“The only place where men in dresses sexualize children is church” said drag artist Trixie Mattel, star of Viacom’s RuPaul’s Drag Race, Paramount+’s Queen of the Universe and HBO Max’s Trixie Motel.

“The most traumatizing thing about drag isn’t harming kids, it’s getting sent home first on drag race. . . but I can't relate” said Bob The Drag Queen, star of HBO’s We’re Here and special guest on Madonna’s upcoming world tour.

"We are sick of it. These bans are not just about trans people or drag performers. It is a systematic subjugation of LGBTQ people," said Jacob Slane of Producer Entertainment Group, the management company behind many of the world’s top drag artists. "Through the 'Drag Isn't Dangerous' campaign, we want to show that drag performers are not dangerous groomers, sexual deviants, criminals or whatever is the latest evangelical slur du jour. We want to raise awareness and funds to make a difference in the lives of LGBTQ people who are under attack."

“In a time when bans and attacks on the LGBTQ community continue to escalate, it is more crucial than ever to remind the world that drag is art, drag is inspiring, and the politicians spreading lies about drag are only seeking cheap political points. Not only do our beloved drag performers have to be protected, they should also be celebrated” said Anthony Allen Ramos, Vice President of Communications & Talent, GLAAD.

“We cover the dangerous rhetoric and anti-LGBTQ bills every day, giving us a front row seat to the fact that LGBTQ+ people are being used as political pawns on the path to the upcoming election,” said Scott Gatz, the CEO of Q.Digital, whose sites include Queerty, LGBTQ Nation, GayCities, and INTO. “We proudly stand up and fight with the most vulnerable in our community to  make people aware that drag queens and trans people are not a danger to anyone. Quite the opposite, they are shining examples of what it means to live our lives authentically, even in the face of adversity.”

“At HeadCount we believe in amplifying the voices of individuals who have been marginalized in the past!,” said a representative. “One of our initiatives is Vote With Pride in which we encourage members of the LGBTQIA+ community to take action and contact their lawmakers to ensure we are being heard! We are super grateful to join PEG and all the other amazing organizations who are leading the charge, especially now that voting and speaking up are crucial to our community!” 

“As an organization whose entire mission it is to amplify queer artistry, we are outraged by the collective efforts to send queer culture, creativity, and people underground,” remarked Jason Brotman, Founder and President of Obsessed, the company behind several worldwide drag tours. “We are devoted now more than ever to creating safe spaces for our brilliant artists and our wonderful fans. We are honored to join forces with colleagues across our industry and beyond to say loud and clear: we are here and we will not be going anywhere any time soon.”

“Drag artists and trans people are not harmful to the community in any way, however recent legislation is harmful and dangerous to the LGBTQ+ community” said Brad Danks, CEO of OUTtv, the world’s leading LGBTQ+ streaming service. “These extremist anti-LGBTQ+ bills that are designed to restrict rights, erase members of the LGBTQ+ community and cause people to live in fear.  We cannot stand by and allow these laws to stand.  We are proud to join this initiative and we want trans people and drag artists to know that they are not alone, we are in this fight with them.”

“As the proud son of an openly gay pioneering father and as a longtime television, film and theater producer, I am outraged that my LGBTQ colleagues and friends are still having to fight for equal rights in 2023," said Matt Weaver, prolific executive producer of projects like Rock of Ages and the upcoming Drag The Musical, who is co-executive producing the telethon. "It is an honor to join this distinguished group of organizations in doing something about it."

Campaign merchandise can be purchased on PEG’s webstore, with all proceeds going to charity. 

For more information and updates on the "Drag Isn't Dangerous" campaign, visit www.dragisntdangerous.com.

Direct ticket link for “Drag Isn’t Dangerous” fundraiser: www.moment.co/dangerous

The Sherry Vine Variety Show

THE SHERRY VINE VARIETY SHOW SET TO DEBUT MAY 25

WATCH TRAILER HERE

THE SHOW’S ALL-STAR CAST INCLUDES ALASKA THUNDERFUCK, BOB THE DRAG QUEEN, JACKIE BEAT, BIANCA DEL RIO, ALEC MAPA AND MORE

 

International drag darling Sherry Vine returns to glittering TV screens across the globe on May 25 with The Sherry Vine Variety Show. Inspired by the great variety show legends of the 1970’s, Sherry Vine and director John Mark update the format with raucous comedy, show-stopping musical numbers, hilarious sketches and more. Watch HERE

 

The Sherry Vine Variety Show invigorates and re-imagines the classic tv variety show standard set by the likes of Sonny & Cher and Carol Burnett. This weekly fun-filled half hour show is packed with iconic special guests (Alec Mapa, Candis Cayne, Mario Diaz,Nadya Ginsburg) and some of the world’s top drag superstars including: Alaska Thunderfuck, Bob The Drag Queen, Bianca Del Rio, Jackie Beat, Monet X Change, Peppermint, Tammie Brown, Varla Jean Merman and more! 

 

“As a child, I was obsessed with Carol Burnett and the variety shows of the 70’s. Working on this show, with the unbelievably talented cast and crew, is literally a dream come true.” - Sherry Vine 

 

“Sherry Vine is extremely funny. She practically invented being a slutty blonde sexy campy hilarious Drag queen. Well, she may be too young to have invented it, but she definitely perfected it. I had a great time working with her on the show and I can’t wait to watch every single episode.” - Alaska Thunderfuck

 

“I'm thrilled to join the cast of The Sherry Vine Variety Show, not only is she my friend but she is one of the sweetest, funniest and most professional senior citizens I know.” - Peppermint

 

 

“Sherry claims I’m in this show, but I have no memory of it whatsoever. I can only assume that I was kidnapped, drugged and forced to perform comedy against my will.” - Jackie Beat

 

“First of all, what an honor and privilege it is for me to be working with the legendary Sherry Vine - benefit exclamation!” - Tammie Brown

 

"It's always an honor to work with a legend like Sherry Vine. And we always say yes because. . .you know. . . this could be her last show" – Bob The Drag Queen

 

"I'm thrilled to have been a part of this fun project by my hilarious and incredibly talented old old old friend, Sherry Vine!! Compared to an abortion, THIS WAS FUN!! The skits are rotted and hysterical. Everyone with a sense of humor needs to watch this show.” - Bianca del Rio

 

The show, written by Sherry Vine, Jackie Beat, John Mark and Bob The Drag Queen is directed by John Mark & produced by PEG for OUTtv.  The show will be available exclusively on the OUTtv Apple TV Channel HERE in the US and Canada, OUTtvGo.com and the OUTtv Amazon Prime Channel in Canada and FROOT.tv in the UK and Ireland. 

 

Follow Sherry Vine:

Official website: HERE

Instagram: HERE

Facebook: HERE

Youtube:HERE

Release The "Vagina"

Alaska Thunder#ck

Alaska Thunderfuck  Surprises Fans with Her New “Vagina” Release

“This new album-- "Vagina" -- is a return to form for classic Alaska Thunderfuck music:  Hard electronic beats, songs about taboo body parts and lewd sexual acts, some total nonsense, and of course lots and lots of swear words.  But within all of this filth and frivolity, I hope some real meaning is able to seep through.  The album is called "Vagina" because it continues a movement through the chakras of the body.  My first album was "Anus," and the next chakra above that one is the genitals.  Naturally, the Vagina, the portal of all life, and the passage through which every human being comes into being was the only choice for the album title.  In the wake of the current political climate, where women's bodies are being regulated and controlled by men, I think the title grabs people's attention and it's a little dangerous.  I like that.”  – Alaska Thunderfuck  

"Vagina" is available thru all digital retailers: http://lnk.to/alaskav  

1.  Vagina

This song is a feminist anthem inspired by the Me Too and Time's Up Movements.  (It should also come with the caveat that not all women have Vaginas, and this song is for all women.)  I am not a female impersonator, and when I perform in Drag I am not dressing up "like a woman,"-- In fact I am worshipping at the altar the Divine Feminine and of all Womankind.  This song reflects that sentiment and I think it's the most important song on the album.  

2.  Leopard Print

Leopard print is my current obsession.  Since I've become obsessed with leopard print clothing, I've started to notice it in every facet of culture currently and even in the past.  Everything must be leopard print.  

3.  Everybody Wants To Fuck Me

I believe the message of this song is the underlying subtext behind most social media.  I spend all day looking at pictures of myself, and then I post pictures and videos of myself.  Because everyone wants to look at me.  Everyone wants to fuck me.  But what would happen if the switch got shut off one day and everyone's Instagram followers went back to zero?  

4.  Walk Into the Club

All of our favorite pop songs have a line about walking into the club.  So I wrote a song that is just about walking into the club.  I stole this idea from either Bob the Drag Queen or Trixie Mattel during a dressing room chat.  

5.  Getting Kicked Out (of Micky's on a Monday Night)

This song is based on a time that I didn't eat dinner and proceeded to have a few too many whiskeys and wines and ended up getting kicked out of West Hollywood Drag club Micky's on a Monday night.  The next day I woke up and I was ashamed and embarrassed beyond belief.  But I thought, if I can make something out of this terrible experience, maybe it won't be for nothing.  So I took my shame and vomited it into this song.  

6.  Cellulite (feat.  Big Dipper)

This is a song about fetishizing fat guys.  I like them.  

7.  Drip (Jodie Harsh Mix)

I think waterspouts are underrated.  There are so many songs about fucking, which can be a risky and dangerous behavior.  But piss is sterile and fun, and I think more people should be into it.  So this is a Piss anthem.  

8.  Snaked (Ellis Miah Mix) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Atr9ZoCpcAY

When All Stars 2 of RuPaul's Drag Race aired, I became known as the queen of snakes.  As a result, many designers made me clothes that were snake themed.  I had all of these clothes saved up and I wanted to feature them in a beautiful way.  So Ellis and I wrote this song, and then I teamed up with Brad Hammer to feature all of the snake clothes in a music video.  

9.  Frances

This is a song about a young business woman named Fran Fine, who follows her heart of gold and in turn finds the family she's always wanted and the man of her dreams.  

10.  Pride

This is the little sister to "Hieeee."  It's a song about how to do Pride properly, complete with cracking fans and throwing shade.

11.  Twisted

A feel-good bop about getting wasted on various substances-- but none of them seem to compare to the feeling of love.  

12.  Land of the Midnight Sun

Sometimes I find it hard to say my feelings, and instead I run away from conflict and confrontation.  This song is about that, and is an apology to anyone I may have hurt by doing that.  It's also named after the state of Alaska, which is called "The Land of the Midnight Sun" because in the summer the sun stays out all night.  

Michael's Musings

Smile Like You Have A Naughty Secret....
Michael Shinafelt

Well this week I am feeling mighty real! A special shout out to Sylvester - the original Drag Queen Superstar!

So do you want smell the batch Michael is brewing?! Oh yes, yes you do...

Major Meltdowns are officially a thing

I like to get popped weekly

My mood is bigger than yours

The wait is over: Jake Gyllenhaal is finally on Instagram. OK, was anyone clamoring for this???

Do you eat dumplings? 

French, it's what's for dinner 

Virginity comments, discuss

Hi. Bitch

Take a deep breath and remember who the F#ck you are

Nothing Breaks Like A Heart 

French Kissing 

Bush, yeah I remember that 

I will go there, don't try me

Michelle Obama, Michelle Obama, Michelle Obama 

And the beat goes on at:
https://www.instagram.com/michaelshinafelt/?hl=en
https://twitter.com/MShinafelt      

Freaky Friday

Don't Be A Drag, Just Be A Queen
Colton Haynes
Photo:
Tyler Shields

I have a confession to make, I am a fan of photographer Tyler Shields work - OK, maybe not such a big deal in the personal revelation arena as I am sure many people are. 

Also for some bizarre reason I find Colton Haynes hot. While I am sure some of you are scratching your collective heads going "Why is that bizarre?" trust, if you actually knew my overall taste in men (the key being around my age) then you would get it. There is always an exception to everything kids, don't ever think your life is one defined neat little package.

Thus these two interests guided me to this photo Tyler took of Colton, in drag.

One would think Colton would look great as a woman, since he be so purty as a guy. Well here's the thing Colton has cheek bones, and while that is associated as a thing of beauty for women, guess what? Most women don't have them. "Yep" we men pretty much stake the claim on a killer jawline, meaning that most of us aren't convincing in drag. I have great cheek bones and look like the ugliest woman ever when I cross dressed that one time in make-up camp.

Let this be your Freaky Friday tutorial - Mic Drop!

I'm one of your biggest fans - Tyler Shields on the WWW
www.tylershields.com/  

Alexander Skarsgard is a Drag

Just One Of The Girls
l-r Bel Powley, Alexander Skarsgard &
Director: Marielle Heller

Alexander Skarsgard who played the vampire most likely to do bad things to you, Eric Northman on HBO's True Blood recently appeared on the red carpet in drag of all things for the premiere of his movie: The Diary of a Teenage Girl.

Was he shooting an audition video for RuPaul's Drag Race? Showing support for one of his co-stars, drag performer Peaches Christ? No one knows for sure, but talk about attention getting!

The Diary of a Teenage Girl,  is based on Phoebe Gloeckner's graphic novel set in 1976, Skarsgård plays Monroe, a 35-year-old man who is dating Chloe (Kristen Wiig) and later begins an affair with her 15-year-old daughter Minnie ( Bel Powley).

This may explain the choice of outfit, being as the subject matter will most likely stir up controversy, so why not add a little more fuel to the fire?

You go Skarsgard!

Read a teenage girl's diary at: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3172532/?ref_=hm_otw_t7

Who's That Birthday Grrrrrrrrrl?

Guess Who?

If you guessed Adele, well then you are correct and have powers beyond reason, because I certainly did not recognize her in drag as George Michael, not in the least.

Yep this is what she wore to her 27th Birthday Celebration.

She Tweeted the following:

"Thank you for the birthday wishes I had a wonderful time!" Adele wrote. "I was my hero x #gottahavefaith."

It's Me!

To which George Michael responded:

"Happy Birthday @OfficialAdele !!!" he Tweeted back. "I'm so flattered, love The Singing Greek! xxx."

Adele's highly anticipated third album is scheduled for released this fall, keep the faith!

Adele is so not a drag at: 

https://twitter.com/officialadele

RuVeal: Drag Race Season 7 Contestants

May The Best Woman Win!

Hey there all of you RuPaul's Drag Race Fans, start your engines the contestants for season 7 have been RuVealed!

Full cast photo above click on the select links below to find out who's zooming who. The 7th season airs in 2015 on, what else? Logo.

Remember ladies "Don't F#$k it up!"

RuPaul’s Drag Race season 7 contestants:

Sasha Belle (Iowa City, Iowa)
Violet Chachki (Atlanta)
Kennedy Davenport (Dallas)
Mrs. Kasha Davis (Rochester, N.Y.)
Tempest DuJour (Tucson, Ariz.)
Miss Fame (New York City)
Jaidynn Diore Fierce (Nashville, Tenn.)
Kandy Ho’ (Cayey, P.R.)
Katya (Boston)
Jasmine Masters (Los Angeles)
Trixie Mattel (Milwaukee)
Max (Hudson, Wisc.)
Ginger Minj (Orlando, Fla.)
Pearl (Brooklyn, N.Y.)

Life's A Drag In 2015 at: https://www.facebook.com/rupaulsdragrace