Lady Shabazz wowed the packed Civic Center Sunday during the Starlight Cabaret, the traditional closer for Atlanta Pride. (Photo by Craig Combs for the Atlanta Pride Committee, all rights reserved)
From the opening dance number of Janet Jackson’s “Rhythm Nation” performed by the Lady Shabazz to the campy, colorful “Xanadu” performed by local legend Alexandria Martin on roller skates along with a dozen Atlanta Rollergirls, the Starlight Cabaret closed out Atlanta Pride with a boisterous bang.
Dozens of people stood in line shortly before the cabaret began to purchase $2-$5 tickets for the event, held for the first time in an indoor venue. This year also marked the first time Atlanta Pride charged an entrance fee to the event.
“I loved the fact that it was indoors, with seating and air conditioning,” said Shane Gibson. “I was kind of disappointed that more of my personal favorite entertainers weren't there … I think that overall the energy was good.”
Because Atlanta Pride was held during the Fourth of July weekend, several well-known entertainers such as Charlie Brown did not appear at this year’s Starlight Cabaret because they booked gigs elsewhere.
On hand though, as they are every year, were the camp drag Armorettes, who performed their wickedly funny Village People numbers. During “YMCA, the 3,500 people packed into the Civic Center were on their feet, singing along and shaping the letters in unison.
Sonique, voted Southern Voice’s Reader’s Choice 2007 Best Drag Queen, wowed the crowd with her “Black Cat” performance. Her back flips and cartwheels onstage, as well through the aisles among the spectators, were rewarded with a standing ovation.
Wild Cherry Sucret kept the event going smoothly and with plenty of traditional drag humor as she co-hosted the event with surprise guest Bubba D. Licious.
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