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Kelowna will play host to another member of the royal family, just not the one you’re thinking of. Drag Queen Derrick Barry will be in Kelowna the weekend of Jan. 20 for a new, one-of-a-kind event.
For those of you who didn’t scream “Yaas Queen!” after reading Barry’s name, here is some insight.
Derrick Barry is a well-known starlet in the LGBTQ+ community, due mainly to his uncanny resemblance to the queen of pop, Britney Spears. He is a celebrated Britney impersonator in Las Vegas and has gained recognition around the world after his recent appearance in season eight of Ru Paul’s Drag Race.
Barry will be in Kelowna for the Noir event being organized by local Drag Queen, Hannah De Job. The event draws inspiration from Dinner En Blanc, a local dinner party where attendees wear all white and don’t learn the location until the day of. In the case of Noir, guests will be wearing all black.
“It’s going to be very inclusive," De Job said. "I’m kind of tongue-and-cheek describing it as a gay event for the straight community. Most of the people who have bought a ticket are not in the gay community."
The party will see Derrick Barry perform three "jaw-dropping" sets before heading into the audience to meet fans, snap photos, and join in on the fun. In addition, attendees of Noir can expect delicious food and drink provided by local restaurants and wineries, and full-blown vegas vibes - showgirls included.
Proceeds from the event will be going toward the KGH foundations JoAnna’s House Campaign.
“We had this vision to throw a high-end sort of Vegas-feel party, and having someone of Derrick’s caliber in the community gave us the idea to use this event for a good cause,” De Job adds.
“I really like that we now have an event that 10 years ago would’ve been closeted and hidden, but is now raising money for one of our biggest charities in town, I think it’s a cool connection and progression of our society."
Noir is taking place on Jan. 20 at 9 p.m. in a location that is yet to be announced. Tickets are available online, or at the door.
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