This veteran goodtime drag gal is serving spooky season shows upon shows in Queens and Long Island this month. Show us the way, Jadé!
Thotyssey: Hello Jadé, thanks for chatting with us today! How is Spooky October treating you so far?
Jadé: My October has been super busy!
No doubt! You just got to meet Ralph Macchio at a book signing, for one thing, lol!
I did! He was super nice, and doesn’t age at all.
We’re about to talk about your Nightlife, but what are you doing for a Daylife these days if I may ask?
I’m a coordinator for a law firm during the day, and a classy linebacker in a dress in the evening, lol.
So where are you from originally, and how did you begin as a performing artist and all around Fabulous Gworl?
I was born and raised on Long Island. I started out as a musician / theater kid growing up… obviously, lol. I started performing my freshman year in college. I made friends with the LGBTQ+ organization on campus, and they took me to the Interbelt Niteclub in Akron, OH. It was there I met the legendary Danyel Vasquez. She took me under her wing, and Jadé was born.
What have been some of your favorite experiences performing as Jadé over the years?
One that will forever be a standout was when I won Miss Gay Ohio America, a preliminary to Miss Gay America. It was my first time competing for a national title. It was that moment where I felt I had arrived as an performer; it groomed me to be an even better entertainer. I would also have to say when I auditioned to be on MTVs Wannabe to showcase my impersonation of my idol, Janet Jackson. I didn’t make it the final cut, but there’s a few clips of me.
Janet’s got new music and a tour coming up…the Janet Stans are no doubt more than ready for all of this!
Finally, Black Diamond is coming! I just saw her at the Cincinnati Music Festival this summer. Yes, this is huge for Janet Stans like myself. This album was shelved due to the pandemic, and we are eager to hear the new music!
I saw you perform a number of times at the old Boots & Saddle back in the day, often at Yuhua Hamasaki’s show.
Yes, I’d like to give a special thank you to Miss Yuhua Hamasaki; she gave me my big break at Boots & Saddle. I am forever grateful.
You’re doing lots of shows again, but had you taken a bit of a break from drag between then and now?
I actually never stopped performing, I just didn’t get the chance to perform more around the city. The drag scene in NYC is very cut throat. But recently, I’ve been blessed to get more opportunities to hit the stage more frequently.
One interesting thing that’s happened more recently is the return of drag–in unusual venues sometimes, but often very popular with straight and queer audiences alike out there.
Yes! I’m so excited about that; there a lot of talent out there. Back in the day I used to go out to the Bunkhouse and Luxe, which was so much fun.
And you’ve recently done shows at Otto’s Sea Grill in Freeport.
Otto’s was a lot of fun; it’s a family friendly restaurant with great seafood, and it sits on the water. My dear friend Quinn Matthews (Mr. Gay United States At Large) asked me to perform there for the Pride show they we’re having; the show was so good, we were made an offer to perform the entire summer. It was also great because, yes–it was more of a straight audience… but they loved it. There were some shows where kids were there, and would get excited to tip us and watch us perform. At the end of the day, it’s nice for everyone–gay, straight, popular, etc.–to come together and have a good time.
You’re a Queens County gal now, as well!
I love performing in Queens; the bars are so welcoming and have just a great energy. I got more opportunities to perform in Queens after I judged a local pageant.
On Friday, October 28th, you’ll be hosting a Halloween party there, at Hombres Lounge!
It’s always fun to do Halloween shows. I get to do new and crazy stuff with my makeup, and wear even more extravagant costumes!
What else is coming up for you?
On October 30, I’m back in Queens for my first drag brunch at Nutty Sports Bar in Richmond Hill!
Excellent! And finally, the reason for the season: have you ever had any supernatural or ghostly encounter?
Hmm… no supernatural encounters. Unless you count when my Mariah Carey wig disappeared after only wearing it once, lol!
Bloop! Thank you, Jadé!
Check Thotyssey’s calendar for Jadé’s upcoming appearances, and follow her on Facebook (also her Facebook group).
Thotyssey 