Bling, Babes & Battles

April 25, 2025
At The Temple Ballroom
WINDSOR, Ontario

A Sparkling Showdown
On Friday, April 25th, the Masonic Temple Ballroom in Windsor lit up with rhinestones, revelry, and raw talent for the sixth installment of Battle of the Babes – Bling Edition. With performers hailing from across Southwestern Ontario and a judging panel of drag royalty, the night promised to be unforgettable—and it delivered.

Table of Contents

• Babes Assemble: Meet the Lineup

• Round One: Talent with a Twist

• Lip Sync or Sink: The Showdowns

• Crowns and Cheers: And the Winner Is...

Babes Assemble: Meet the Lineup

From London to Chatham and right back to Windsor, a new group of fabulous babes took the Temple Ballroom stage to compete for the ultimate title. Hosted by the dynamic duo Airress and Belle Vyra and judged by drag, party and fashion icons Epoxy, Iddy Oats, Luxy Charms, and Anold Mulaisho, the stage was set for a glittery brawl.

The night began with a solid warmup: a duet lip sync by Belle Vyra and Eri, followed by individual pre-show sets from Iddy Oats, Luxy Charms, and Belle Vyra, who returned solo for another number. It was a star-studded welcome to a high-stakes evening.

Round One: Talent with a Twist

Each contestant brought a different flavour to the talent round. MaCoochie Sweets kicked things off with a comedic and chaotic milkshake-making lipsync to Kelis' "Milkshake," setting the tone for an off-the-wall competition. Ann Ziety brought down the house with a hilarious rendition of Colbie Caillat’s "Bubbly" that had the crowd in stitches.

Double D-Lilah served sultry with Rihanna’s "Rude Boy," while Yasstrology delivered futuristic glam with Slayyyter’s "Starfucker." Majesty the King changed the tempo entirely with a live painting performance to the Nightcore version of B-52’s classic "Rock Lobster," a rare mix of visual art and drag. Ivy League wrapped the round with a wordless, mime-inspired piece set to classical music—a wildcard act that added serious depth to the mix.

Lip Sync or Sink: The Showdowns

Act Two started with a surprise: Windsor’s B. Martini took the stage in a voluminous blonde wig and pink dress, giving the audience a fun palette cleanser before the lipsync battles began.

The first battle paired MaCoochie Sweets with Double D-Lilah to the tune of Cascada’s “Everytime We Touch”—with MaCoochie snatching victory by audience applause. Next up: Majesty the King faced Yasstrology to Britney’s "I Wanna Go," and Yasstrology took the win. The final duel between Ivy League and Ann Ziety to Icona Pop’s “I Love It” was fierce and funny, and Ann Ziety reigned supreme.

To wind down the adrenaline, Airress gave a solo number to Fergie’s “London Bridge,” setting the stage for the big vote.

Crowns and Cheers: And the Winner Is...

The top three were brought out once more for a final group number to Lady Gaga’s “LoveGame (Chew Fu Ghettohouse Fix),” each holding a giant letter—MaCoochie with A, Yasstrology with B, and Ann Ziety with C. The audience made their final call with voting cards, and the judges gave their closing thoughts.

In third place: Yasstrology. In a final face-off between A and C—MaCoochie and Ann—the crown went to Ann Ziety, who brought the title home to Chatham with charisma, comedy, and command of the stage.

Shining Stars of the Stage
From lip-sync showdowns to comedic gold, Battle of the Babes 6 was a night of dazzling drag, community energy, and unfiltered queer creativity. If the blinged-out ballroom was any indication, Windsor is more than ready for round seven.

Congrats to Ann Ziety—long may she reign!

Photos and review by Kevin Blondin

Hudson’s Royal Court Reigns Supreme

March 8, 2025
At The Barbershop Bar
WINDSOR, Ontario

A Night of Royalty and Revelry

Hear ye, hear ye! Windsor’s drag scene gathered for an evening of medieval mischief and birthday cheer as Hudson Bae hosted Hudson’s Royal Court at The Barbershop Bar on March 8th. Guests were invited to don their finest royal attire and join the king of the night in a celebration filled with high-energy performances, captivating costumes, and an atmosphere brimming with laughter and camaraderie.

Table of Contents:

• A Regal Affair: Setting the Scene

• Courtly Performances: The Stars of the Show

• Fashion Fit for Royalty

• A Night to Remember

A Regal Affair: Setting the Scene

As the clock struck eight, the doors to The Barbershop Bar opened to an eager crowd, excited to partake in Hudson Bae’s birthday bash. With the venue packed and the audience dressed to impress, the ambiance was electric, blending the charm of a Renaissance festival with the high energy of a modern drag show.

Hudson, ever the charismatic host, welcomed guests with his signature wit, kicking off the night’s festivities with a blend of comedy, charm, and classic court jester antics. From the moment he took the stage, the energy was contagious, setting the tone for an unforgettable night.

Courtly Performances: The Stars of the Show

Hudson’s Royal Court featured an outstanding lineup of drag royalty. Venom Von Snaps, Luxy Charms, and Cecil Cecropia graced the stage with stunning performances, each bringing their unique flair to the celebration. Though Lua was absent, the show pressed on with enough excitement to keep the crowd thoroughly entertained.

Venom Von Snaps delivered sultry, commanding performances, serving rock-and-roll edge with her leafy green ensemble and fiery red locks. Later in the night, she transformed into a punk princess with fishnet details and a schoolgirl skirt, proving her versatility as a performer. Luxy Charms embodied pure theatricality, first appearing as a devilish rocker in a Kiss crop-top, and later switching to a more refined, black and white aesthetic, all while maintaining her signature clown-inspired look.

Cecil Cecropia was a powerhouse of punk and rebellion, first in an all-black rocker ensemble and later embracing a DIY aesthetic with an oversized sweatshirt, safety pins, and skull-themed accessories. And of course, Hudson Bae himself was a sight to behold, first in a blue jester’s garb complete with a white ruff, then in a striking white ruffled shirt and platinum wig, playfully wielding a “#1 Daddy” coffee mug.

Fashion Fit for Royalty

The night wasn’t just about the performances—it was also a visual spectacle. Themed outfits added an extra layer of excitement, with each performer embodying their own take on royal flair. The audience, too, played their part, arriving in their best regal attire, transforming the venue into a full-blown royal court. Whether clad in crowns, flowing gowns, or medieval-inspired finery, the crowd fully embraced the theme, making the event feel like a grand festival.

A Night to Remember

With a packed house, stellar performances, and a birthday celebration fit for a king, Hudson’s Royal Court proved to be a night of unforgettable revelry. The camaraderie between performers and audience alike made the event feel intimate yet spectacular—a true testament to Windsor’s thriving drag community. As the night came to a close, the cast stayed on set to mingle with guests, ensuring that everyone had the chance to capture memories with their favorite royals.

Long live Hudson Bae and his court—until the next royal gathering!

Review by Kevin Blondin
Photos by Liana Anselmo

Lights, Laughs, and Luxy!

February 14, 2025
WINDSOR, Ontario

A 50s Sitcom Brought to Life

There’s something magical about stepping into a time warp, and on Valentine’s Day, Windsor’s Temple Ballroom became a living, breathing 1950s television set. I Love Luxy, an original concept by Epoxy with co-production by Temple Blooms Productions, starred the incomparable Luxy Charms, and delivered a side-splitting spoof of vintage sitcoms, complete with live skits, improv, and lip-sync performances that kept the audience roaring with laughter.

Table of Contents:

• A Mock-Live Filming Experience

• A Cast of Colorful (or Grayscale) Characters

• Nosey Neighbours and Interactive Comedy

• A Perfect Valentine’s Day Treat

A Mock-Live Filming Experience

The show kicked off just after 8 PM, instantly immersing the audience in the black-and-white world of classic television. With a set designed to resemble a 50s-style home and a cast decked out in grayscale costumes, I Love Luxy brilliantly recreated the aesthetic of vintage TV. The night was packed with raunchy yet playful humor, over-the-top performances, and cleverly executed skits that paid homage to the golden age of sitcoms.

A Cast of Colorful (or Grayscale) Characters

At the heart of the show was Luxy Charms, the unhinged housewife whose home became a revolving door for outrageous visitors. Epoxy and Iddy Oats set the stage as charismatic TV hosts, while a wild lineup of characters—including Belle Vyra as an alien from Mars, Airress as a bohemian beatnik, and Cecil Cecropia as the ever-reliable milkman—kept the laughs rolling. Lua and Mercury Retrograde, playing the nosey neighbours, provided some of the night’s most hilarious moments with their constant surveillance and judgmental expressions.

Nosey Neighbours and Interactive Comedy

The audience interaction was one of the show’s standout elements. During intermission, Lua and Mercury Retrograde remained in character, peeking through the window with binoculars while casually ironing the curtains—a detail that had the crowd in stitches. The commitment to character and the immersive nature of the performance made the experience even more engaging.

A Perfect Valentine’s Day Treat

By the time the final act wrapped, the audience was left in awe of the sheer talent and comedic timing displayed throughout the night. To top it off, the cast stayed on set for a post-show meet-and-greet, allowing guests to snap photos with their favorite characters. Erica Spotton captured the night’s best moments, ensuring the magic of I Love Luxy would live on beyond the stage.

A Nostalgic Night to Remember

With its perfect blend of camp, chaos, and classic TV nostalgia, I Love Luxy was an absolute triumph. Whether you came for the laughs, the lip-syncs, or the sheer absurdity of it all, one thing’s for sure—this was a night Windsor won’t soon forget.

Review by Kevin Blondin
Photos by Eri Spotton