Qveen Herby at the Castro

[Drunk Monk]

There's a lot to process about last night. I'll get to it later today. This is just a placeholder for now. 

For you uninitiated, may I present her majesty, Queen Herby

[Drunk Monk]

This was my first time working at the Castro. The last time I was there was for EEAAO https://www.brotherhoodofdoom.com/doomFo...5#pid55045
Since then, it has been restored by Another Planet, a controversial move because of the 'hood it's in likes it local. But man, the restoration is spectacular. The Castro looks brand new. That architecture - the art nouveau/baroque/chinoiserie style just gleams. Absolutely breathtaking. 

I got there first and made connects with the staff, none of whom I knew. As I went to the bathroom, SHE was there for the meet and greet. QVEEN HERBY. In the flesh. I discovered her during some late night web rabbit hole and have been totally seduced by what she does. In person, she's even more gorgeous... and powerful. I had to avert my eyes because of all her glory (and you kinda have to do that if you're not tasked to handle the talent). 

My RM cohorts were Tucson Lee, a former pro EMT now paper pusher, and Sanmay (sp?), a new EMT. Fresh nooBs. Not too talkative. Kinda stiff. They had no idea what they had gotten into. I relented from talking too much about my glory daze or legacy and focused on asking them questions to engage them. They gave us 2 radios. I handed them both because they were the EMTs. Tucson had worked there a few times before because he lived rather close. He gave me some pointers about the venue like where to stand and watch. Those were good tips. Neither had much interest in the show, which was cool for me because I could run amuck.

Now note the date. Yea, yea, Election Day but also the start of Pride month. The QVEEN is flamboyant. This show sold out tight. I cannot think of a better place to be for her, for me, and for the denizens of the Castor district to come out. Literally come out. Fashion was FABULOUS. 

More to come but until then, here's more from QH (this also features her opening act last night - Thot Squad):

[Drunk Monk]

Beyond the amazing refurb of the Castro, the sound is excellent, especially the bass. Y'all know I'm a car carrying bass worshipper (bass addict if I'm to be honest). The Castro has powerful bass. The way they built the risers on the floor makes the topmost vibrate like sensurround. Tasty bass.

Thot Squad was ok - another non-binary performer and they played well to a celebratory Castro audience. Lots of flirty chatting between songs, drag queen style. Got the crowd hopping. 

It was a flamboyant night and people were dressed to the nines. Lots of lingerie and high glam fashion. Lots of pirate wenches and mermaids (the theme of QH's latest Isle of Qveen is piratey). Lots of beautiful men in high heels. Lots of big women. Hardcore dykes to lipstick lesbians. Me and the two other RMers stood at the door to our little alcove with is right next to the entrance and just marveled at the costuming as it sashayed across the lobby. Our hands-down fav was a women with bright red hair, a cheetah print skirt and the most amazing knit sweater covered with woven red lips and cigarettes. 

Qveen Herby is a reincarnation. Originally, Amy Renee Noonan was part of a duo with her husband called Karmin. They had some success, charting and appearing on SNL. their biggest hit was Acapella. Maybe you remember?



But they walked away from all that. Karmin disbanded in 2017, walking away from their recording contract with Epic. Noonan's husband became her producer with a total character shift and Qveen Herby was born.

QH is over-the-top cheesey glam with all the attitude needed to deliver such a caricature. Where Noonan gets me is her rapid-fire machine-gun rap style. Here's a sample:



Luv dat. But could she do that live? 

More to come...