A drag queen who serves movement, fashion, vocals and humor and came SO close to the crown in so many major competitions, Blacc Cherry is finally sweetening stages and juicing up her fanbase all across NYC.
Thotyssey: Hello ma’am, thanks for chatting today! We’re only a few days in, but how’s the month treating you so far?
Blacc Cherry: February is treating me well! Definitely staying busy while attempting to stay warm, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Here is a dumb but mandatory question: do you enjoy cherries?
Lol! So ironically, I am not the biggest fan of cherries. The fruit itself is palatable, but not a go-to for me. And I steer clear of any artificial cherry flavoring because I think it tastes like cough medicine.
Same! You’re such a fun performer to watch… how long have you been a queen now?
Thank you! I first performed in drag in 2018 at an on campus drag show at The University of Oklahoma, my alma mater–with just a dry wig, a skirt, and a Demi Lovato song to work with. However, I’ve been performing professionally here in New York for about a year and a half.
Are you an Oklahoma native?
I’m originally from northeast Texas, and lived in Oklahoma while studying music and marketing.
So what drew you to drag in the first place?
I’ve always been a performer at heart. I love to make people think and feel something, but I especially love to make people laugh. Drag allows me to do that in such a beautiful way!
I remember being absolutely captivated the first time I saw a drag performance in the famous Rose Room at Station 4 in Dallas on college and thinking, “wow… I could never do that.” Even after my first time performing in college all those years ago, I kinda wrote it off as a fun way to express myself in college.
But moving to NYC and witnessing the true genius and artistry in the drag scene really inspired me to pursue drag more seriously, and challenge myself to become a truly impactful entertainer.
I’ve seen you compete in some of the bigger competition shows in the city, like “Lady Liberty” at The Q. It seems you’ve curated a very large and enthusiastic fanbase who come out for you.
Yes! Cherry Nation does roll very hard for me, and I love them so much for all their support from the beginning at my very first “Lady Liberty” prelim. I think, as an artist, it’s very important to connect with people off stage just as much as I do on stage, and that practice has led to the cultivation of a very enthusiastic group of supporters and friends who have watched me almost win some of the most competitive drag competitions in the city!
How might you describe your drag to today for the uninitiated, as far as looks you like to serve and performances?
My drag aesthetic is very inspired by 90s R&B / hip hop and early 2000s BET glamour with a bit of theatrical showgirl pizzazz. A Blacc Cherry show is really equitable to a Golden Coral dining experience in the sense that there’s a little bit of everything. I love pulling from pop culture to make my mixes and give comedy or dancing down to my Kylie Minogue mega-mix, but I also really enjoy sitting and singing something like Dionne Warwick’s “Alfie.”
Something for everyone! You’ve been hosting a Drag Race viewing party this season at Dive 106 uptown.
Yes! I’ve become a dive bar queen through and through. Everyone at Dive 106 is an absolute delight: the bar staff, the management, and especially the patrons! It’s really awesome to be in a space that isn’t necessarily a “queer bar” embrace the spectacle of Drag Race and live drag so enthusiastically, and I’m honored to be a pioneer of that transformation. The vibes are great for anyone who wants to come join me uptown and try Dive’s new cheesecake!
How are you enjoying Season 16 so far? There’s some real drama this time around. And then there was this past week’s unfortunate elimination of poor, weird Amanda!
I’m loving this season! Though I may be biased because my sister and best friend, Plasma, is shining like the star she is every week. As far as the drama goes, I love reality TV because of silly drama… so I’m not made about seeing a bit of shade come back into the werkroom. However, I do think–as it’s been said before–there’s a difference between playful shade and un-sisterly and uncouth behavior (interpret that as you will, readers).
I do want to say, I’ve had the opportunity to meet a lot of the girls in this cast, and they are all so talented and lovely… but Amanda Tori Meating is truly such a light in the world and a joy to be around. Sending her all my love and congratulations on opening up about her transition!
Like Plasma, you’re gonna be a Duplex Girl this month! Tell us about “Cherry Pop,” your Wednesdays-in-February show there.
Yes! Keeping Duplex in the family! I’m super excited to be working with the fabulous folks at the Duplex this month. “Cherry Pop” is going to be quintessential drag and the perfect midweek treat with jokes, dancing, living singing and a bit of audience participation! I love the upstairs space because it really makes for an intimate experience for both me and the crowd, so I’m looking forward to getting to know some new faces… in addition to ones I’ve come to know at the Duplex.
You’ll also be appearing in a show called “So Many Issues” hosted by Lukas Thimm at Soho House on February 15th.
Lukas is a really great political commentator and comedian who I got connected with a few months ago through our shared sense of humor! He hosts monthly shows at SoHo House featuring a variety of special guests. When Lukas asked me to be a special guest and to open the show with a performance for his Valentines Day installment, I immediately jumped at the opportunity! It’s going to be a great time, folks can reach out to “So Many Issues” with Lukas on Instagram to reserve tickets!
What else is coming up for you?
I’m currently producing a drag activism panel and show at Columbia Law School that is set for early next month! Other than that, I’m keeping a relatively low profile, lol!
She’s a stealth queen! Okay lastly… what’s your favorite cosmetic product?
Ooh! Definitely the NYX face and body glitter! It’s my favorite finishing touch to any look!
Thanks, Ms. Cherry!
Check Thotyssey’s calendar for Blacc Cherry’s upcoming appearances, and follow her on Instagram.
Thotyssey 