Her cup runneth over with sexy style, sultry moves and a slew of Jersey gigs this month: Philly’s Buttakup! [Cover photo: Tyler Ryan]
Thotyssey: Hi Buttakup! We’re in the beginning of September now, do you have Summertime Sadness or are you a fan of the Spooky Season?
Buttakup: Hellurrrr, thanks for reaching out! I honestly always have Summertime Sadness–my birthday just passed right at the end of August, so it’s like my last hurrah before everyone starts spicing their pumpkins. However I will say the saving grace for me is fall fashion once the weather cools down: sweatuh weathuh!
Definitely better weather for drag.
Absolutely! Summer drag isn’t for the weak!
You’ve been a drag star all over the Tri-State for awhile now… how long exactly, and how might you describe your drag today as far as looks and numbers go?
It’s coming up to six years soon [since I started] dabbling in drag; the first year was very here and there because of Covid, of course. My drag today is a love letter to the women who have shaped me into the person I am today. My performances I would say embody whatever song I’m doing. I do love a good, sultry moment, and I love to bring my athleticism into my performances.
You’re a Philadelphia girl! Do you find the drag scene there a joy or a challenge to navigate, or both?
I would say both.
I’m guessing the pros are diversity, appreciative crowds and sisterhood with fellow performers, while the cons include that venues are few and far between.
What I will say is great about Philly is the diversity, and the different kinds of drag you can see here. As far as appreciative crowds, I’d say for the most part, yes… but it does feel like a lot of people don’t come out to shows anymore. And the sisterhood I have built with a few of the queens in the city means a lot to me, and I’m truly appreciative of their friendship. Venues are very scarce. Talking about queer nightlife spaces for performing, there is only one in the gayborhood that the majority of the scene feels comfortable performing at.
New York has tons of queer and drag bars, but the same thing is happening here: fewer folks coming out and being engaged. And we’ve also seen a bunch of venues closing recently.
It’s terrible. We’ve lost so many spaces!
We sure have. Have you ever performed in NYC, by the way?
I have only performed out there once at Playhouse; my drag daughter Kirby had a few shows there and brought Mama along to hang in NYC.
What’s your favorite thing about doing drag, in general?
I would say performing on stage–it’s what I was born to do. Second would have to be the transformation. I love drag. As a Virgo, I’m a perfectionist… and it’s fun for me to be able to curate my own expression of femininity.
Where might folks be most likely to find you performing, or even just chilling, in Philly these days?
I try to go to as many shows as I can without burnout, but mostly you’ll catch me chilling at my house! I love my alone time. Performing in Philly, you can catch me all over. I frequent the legendary Bob & Barbara’s Lounge on South Street–shoutout to the ladies there! Longest running drag show in the country!
I produce a bi-monthly show at Franky Bradley’s called Franky’s Angels; we are a three girl group giving you full choreo made by myself. That’s with my sisters Allyria Everlasting and Scarlet St. Cartier. I also co-produce the brunch at Evil Genius Beer in Fishtown each and every Sunday with my good judy Jolene Cuisine. You can also catch me not getting in the orb at Fabrika (afraid of heights), but I twirl there every month too.
On Friday the 18th, you’ll be at the Landmark Americana in Glassboro, New Jersey for a special Glee themed show with Astala Vista, Crystal Envy, VinChelle and Lexi Pro! Were you a particular fan of Glee during its heyday?
Oh girl, I was running home from wherever I was to watch that show. I connected so much with some of the characters, especially Santana. However, at Landmark I’ll be giving you a little Brittany S. Pierce–the dancer, naturally, lol.
Then Sunday the 20th, you’re doing a Beyonce brunch with Vinchelle and Mz. Peaches at Cherry Hill’s Vera!
Yes I’m super excited for that show–three of the biggest Beyonce fans you’ll ever meet, and two of my fave queens and sisters to work with for sure. The shows will be given!
Then September 26, it’s another drag brunch—this time at Porta Asbury Park–with Crystal Envy, Drag Race Canada’s Perla, Eric Jaffe and Octavia Anyae.
Yes, I’m excited to work up in Asbury again. I competed for the Miss Paradise a few years back, and haven’t really worked up there since.
What else is coming up for you?
Outside of drag, I’m a professional dancer and choreographer and I’m at the beginning of a super fun project with a bunch of Philly dancers. I don’t plan on rushing it, so you might be waiting a little bit… but it’s coming!
I’m also preparing and planning out my first real step down next year. This March I won the title of Miss Crimson Moon in Delaware, and next year I will curate the 10th anniversary of the pageant while I step down and welcome another sister into the ranks of crowned queens. I can’t wait!
Congrats! Finally, what the most essential item in your drag bag?
It would have to be any kind of perfume (Bath & Body Works spray). Smelling good in drag is a non-negotiable for me… drench yourself! Little tip: spray your hands, so when you’re reaching for money they will smell that first.
Genius! Thanks, Butta!
Check Thotyssey’s calendar for Buttakup’s upcoming appearances, and follow her on Instagram and LinkTree.
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