Block Talk Guide to DragCon LA 2022!

By Michael Block

After a two year break while the world was in a pandemic, DragCon is making its triumphant return to Los Angeles in 2022! Queens and fans from all around the globe are coming together to celebrate Drag Race and the art of drag! There will be so much to see and do so here’s my guide to help you through the weekend! 

Facts are Facts, Los Angeles! 

DragCon LA 2022 will span May 13th-15th at the Los Angeles Convention Center in the South Hall. The convention runs from 10:00am-6:00pm on Friday and Saturday and 10:00am-5:00pm on Sunday. If you’re one of the lucky VIP All Star Attendees, you get an extra hour of fun starting at 9:00am! 

Before you can hit the show floor, you will need to go to registration in the South Hall lobby. Show your ticket to get scanned and you’ll be given a badge! Don’t lose it! If you’re joining us all weekend, you’ll need your badge for entry. AND please bring your vax card or proof of negative COVID test. You WILL need them. Safety first!  

For all the up-to-date FAQs about the convention, visit https://la.rupaulsdragcon.com/faq/

Meet the Stars! 

Stars from RuPaul’s Drag Race and beyond all  across the globe unite at the Los Angeles Convention Center for DragCon 2022! Meet and greet, see them perform on the MainStage, and of course add to your merch collection! The list of attending talent is HUGE so make sure you make a list of who you want to see so you don’t miss out meeting your favs! As I cover ALL of the international seasons, I’m stoked to see the International queens! As a die hard Frock Destroyer Fan, you can bet I’ll be watching Baga, Blu, and Divina hit the mainstage. And I can’t wait to chat with the winners! Those international winners include The Vivienne, Lawrence Chaney, Krystal Versace, and Blu Hydrangea from the UK, Envy Peru and Vanessa Van Cartier from Holland, Carmen Farala from Espana, and Kita Mean from Down Under! And don’t worry, stars from the US will be there like Aquaria, Alaska, Symone, Willow Pill and many many more! 

Shop Til Your Drop! 

If it’s not at DragCon, it doesn’t exist! Stock up your drag collection with wigs, jewels, makeup, and heels! There are over 200 vendors ready to help you splurge all weekend long. I am so excited to see so many of my favorite friends share their goods. Be sure to visit my friends at Amped Accessories, the designers of both Canada’s Drag Race crowns and scepters, Crimsyn’s Creations for all things fashion from Painted with Raven winner Crimsyn, Daftboy for the BEST clack fans out there, Forgot’s Locks, one of NYC’s award nominated wig designers, ISLYNYC, extraordinary accessories from my home away from home, and Loschy Designs for some of the most unique crowns and tiaras you’ll ever see. 

See the Panels!

Stars from your favorite seasons like Drag Race UK vs the World, Drag Race Down Under, and Canada’s Drag Race are reuniting for panels! This is your chance to ask the queens those burning questions! There are so many panels so don’t miss out. Many of your favorite WOW podcasts and shows will be live in the panel rooms like Binge Queens, Fashion Photo Review, and You Brita Vote! Bring Back My Girls will be a new WOWPresents show which will be recorded live featuring the casts from around the world hosted by TS Madison! 

HAVE FUN!

And don’t forget to ask for consent from the queens and fans alike before taking photos! And be nice and be kind. A smile goes a very long way. 

Important Tips

• Bring a charger! If your phone dies, you’ll miss out on that priceless photo with your favorite queens! 
• Eat! If you’re planning to stay all day long, make sure you eat! Visit the Compass Café in the South Hall Lobby or the outdoor food court in the back left of the showroom. 
• Carry a bag! If you plan on buying merch and goodies, bring a bag with you so you can carry your haul home! 

I am so excited to be reuniting with some of my favorite friends and colleagues and sharing my experience with you on Block Talk! If you’ll be attending the event, please let me know and please be sure to come find me and say hi! I'll be sharing all the fun on my Instagram (@michaelblocktalk)

See you at DragCon LA! 

Drag Race UK vs The World Officially Releases Cast

by Michael Block

courtesy of World of Wonder

The real Olympics of drag is about to begin! World of Wonder has officially announced the nine competitors from across the globe who will be competing in the inaugural season of RuPaul's Drag Race UK vs the World! Nine queens will enter but only one will take home the global crown

Of the nine vying for the title, we have three queens from the UK, two from the USA, two from Canada, one from the Netherlands, and one from Thailand. They are Baga Chipz (Drag Race UK 1), Blu Hydrangea (Drag Race UK 1), Cheryl Hole (Drag Race UK 1), Janey Jacke (Drag Race Holland 1), Jimbo (Canada's Drag Race 1), Jujubee (Drag Race, All Stars 1, All Stars 5, Queen of the Universe), Lemon (Canada's Drag Race 1), Mo Heart (Drag Race 10, All Stars 4), and Pangina Heals (Drag Race Thailand judge).

Judging the international All Stars will be the usual panel from Drag Race UK- RuPaul, Michelle Visage, Alan Carr, and Graham Norton. Guest judges that have been announced include Little Mix's Jade Thirwall, Spice Girls' Mel C, Daisy May Cooper, and Jonathan Bailey, among others. 

RuPaul's Drag Race UK vs The World premieres February 1st at 4pm ET on WOWPresents+ in the USA. 

Be sure to download and subscribe to Block Talk on your favorite podcast platform where we will cover RuPaul's Drag Race UK vs The World, as well as all other international seasons all year long! 

MEET THE QUEENS

Baga Chipz 

Drag Race UK 1

courtesy of World of Wonder

Blu Hydrangea

Drag Race UK 1

courtesy of World of Wonder

Cheryl Hole

Drag Race UK 1

courtesy of World of Wonder

Janey Jacke

Drag Race Holland 1

courtesy of World of Wonder

Jimbo

Canada's Drag Race 1

courtesy of World of Wonder

Jujubee

Drag Race 2, All Stars 1, All Stars 5, Queen of the Universe

courtesy of World of Wonder

Lemon

Canada's Drag Race 1

courtesy of World of Wonder

Mo Heart 

Drag Race 10, All Stars 4

courtesy of World of Wonder

Pangina Heals 

Drag Race Thailand Judge

courtesy of World of Wonder

Block Talk Ep. 242- Pietra Parker

 

The lovely Pietra Parker joins me on the latest episode of Block Talk! 

Learn more about Pietra at pietraparker.com!

Listen to the podcast on Apple Podcasts and more! 

Block Talk- Episode 167: Quarantine Check In with Pussy Willow

On today's Quarantine Check In, Pussy Willow joins me to chat all things containment cookie, The Sims, and mental health!

To listen to the podcast, download and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, or Stitcher!

Block Talk- Episode 165: Quarantine Check In with Gigi Deetz

In a time of uncertainty, it's always important to check in with the people around you. And that's what I'm going to do everyday until things improve. Joining the Block Talk content is Quarantine Check In, a new feature where I'll chat with a friend, family member, peer, stranger, basically anyone who wants to talk, all they have to do is suggest three topics to discuss!

To kick off the series, I'm joined by NYC Drag Queen, Gigi Deetz!

To listen to the podcast, download and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, or Stitcher!

Review: Drag in Live Cartoon Form

By Michael Block

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, "The Simpsons" have been a staple in the pop culture lexicon for virtually three decades. The cartoon has become timeless in the sense that there seems to never be a wrong to pay homage through parody. Now at the Laurie Beechman comes The Simsinz, a loving drag send off on "The Simpsons". Whether you’re a loyal fan of the series or simply a lover of drag, there’s something for everyone here.

photo by Michael Block

Previously representing the Beechman through her Amy Winehouse tribute show, Cissy Walken brings a bunch of her pals to the stage to become the iconic yellow-tinted cartoon American family, looks and all. Told through sound clips from the cartoon and music references from pop to Broadway, this edition of the show puts a queer lens on the characters. Is it possible everyone is gay? In Marge’s mind, absolutely. The Simsinz is a wonderfully whimsical, and slightly perverse, spin on the animated classic, littered in pop culture nostalgia. There is a semblance of a plot, though the closer you are to the franchise perhaps the easier it is to find. Marge is on the verge of a breakdown as her husband Homer and three kids, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie, aid to the chaos of her life. After a little sniff of bleach, Marge goes on a fantastical adventure as all the characters in the Matt Groening universe appear to be on a journey of self-discovery. There’s a special charm to the show that makes it a special event. The drag is spot on. The theatricality polish can be improved, but hey, it is a cabaret space after all.
The entire ensemble took the iconic characters and brought them to life with the greatest of ease, while still maintaining an essence of their own drag personas. As Marge, Cissy Walken plays the straight man in the scene. Her take on the character, comparatively, is the most grounded. With the show being entirely lip synced, Cissy does surprise the crowd late in the show with a bit of a vocal gag. As Homer, Coco Taylor goes on a fantastical journey through song and dance as Homer tries to discover his true self. Taking on the three kids, Aria Derci, Pussy Willow, and Andy Starling, as Bart, Lisa, and Maggie respectfully, dazzle in their solo moments.  But wait, did you think other characters wouldn’t make cameos? Mrs. Krabapple, Milhouse, and Ralphie all pop by, but it’s Marge’s sisters, Patty and Selma, that steal the show. With a little Side Show to cap it off, Coco Taylor and Aria Derci’s take on the Bouvier twins is one of the highlights of the night. This piece is only as successful as it’s appearance. The costumes by Pierretta Viktori and the wigs by Scott Feigr Curly are major players in Why this show works.
While there is still some tweaking and finessing to do, The Simsinz is a must do at the Beechman. There have been very few shows of this whacky nature to grace this stage.

Block Talk- Episode 136: DragCon NYC 2019 Special

Another DragCon NYC is in the books! I was lucky to get to roam the DragCon floor again and have some incredible interviews with the stars of Drag Race, Dragula, Camp Wannakiki and right here in NYC!

You'll hear interviews with

- Honey Davenport (Drag Race Season 11) and The Vixen (Drag Race Season 10)

- Yuhua Hamasaki (Drag Race Season 10)

- Cynthia Lee Fontaine (Drag Race Season 8 and 9)

- Kennedy Davenport (Drag Race Season 7 and All Stars 3)

- Dusty Ray Bottoms (Drag Race Season 10)

- Iconic Team

- Kahanna Montrese (Drag Race Season 11)

- Akeria C. Davenport (Drag Race Season 11)

- Maddelynn Hatter (Dragula Season 3)

- Coco Taylor

- T. Rex (The Tea podcast)

- Darrienne Lake (Drag Race Season 6)

- Alexis Michelle (Drag Race Season 9)

- Chiffon Dior and Strawberry Fields (Werrrk.com)

- Monique Heart (Drag Race Season 10 and All Stars 4)

- Ongina (Drag Race Season 1)

- Abhora (Dragula Season 2)

- Disasterina (Dragula Season 2)

- St. Lucia and Violencia ExclamationPoint (Dragula Season 3)

- Jaidynn Diore Fierce (Drag Race Season 7)

- Sugarbaker Twins (Camp Wannakiki)

- Mrs. Kasha Davis (Drag Race Season 7)

- Tammie Brown (Drag Race Season 1 and All Stars 1)

To listen to the podcast, download and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, or Stitcher! 

Block Talk- Episode 135: Dragula Dracap Episode 3

It's time to recap another episode of Dragula season 3! Seraphim is back to rock and roll all night and tattoo everyday!

To listen to the podcast, download and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, and Stitcher!

Block Talk- Episode 133: Make Mike Watch Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

It's time to Make Mike Watch another Harry Potter film and this time it's Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets! I'm joined by Aria Derci, Nicole Onoscopi, and Pussy Willow to talk about all things HP2!

To listen to the podcast, download and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, and Stitcher! And leave a 5 star review while you're there!

Block Talk- Episode 132: Dragula Season 3 DragCap Episode 1

Dragula is back with a brand new season and we're here to break it all down for you! Taking flight with me to discuss all things episode 1 is my favorite super villain, Seraphim!

To listen to the podcast, visit Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, or Stitcher! And leave a 5 star review while you're there!

Block Talk- Episode 128: Dragula Season 3 Preview

I've got some real monsters to help me break down the brand new season of the Boulet Brother's Dragula! Seraphim and Zalika Parsons join me as my new cohosts for season 3!

To listen to the podcast, download and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, and Stitcher!

Block Talk- Episode 126: Emi Grate

Oh this is a fun one! It's my exclusive chat with Emi Grate!

To listen to the podcast, download and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, or Stitcher!

Block Talk- Episode 125: Make Mike Watch Meet the Robinsons

It's time to make me watch another movie! This time, Jacklynn Hyde and Seraphim made me watch a modern Disney marvel, Meet the Robinsons!

To listen to the podcast, visit Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, or Stitcher!

Block Talk- Episode 124: Kari Kerning

Oh this one was GREAT! I'm so excited to share the story of the one and only, Kari Kerning!

To listen to the podcast, download and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, or Stitcher!

Block Talk- Episode 123: Pride Edition- Coming Out Stories

It's my honor and pleasure to share a very special edition of Block Talk. I've asked eight amazing nightlife personalities to share their coming out stories in honor of Stonewall 50. I hope you enjoy this episode and please, if something impacted you in this episode, please reach out to us. Thank you to Aria Derci (@ariadercibaby), Emi Grate (@emigrate_drag), Haireola Grande (@haireolagrande), Heidi Haux (@heidithehaux), Kiki Ball-Change (@kikiballchange), Lindsey Kay (@lindseykaynyc), Patsy InDecline (@miss_patsy69) and Pussy Willow (@willowthatpuss).

To listen to the episode, download and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, or Stitcher!

Block Talk- Episode 22: Sherry Poppins

The podcast be poppin! It's my sit down with the incredible Sherry Poppins!

To listen to the podcast, download and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, or Stitcher!

Block Talk- Episode 121: Jacklynn Hyde

Here she is world! It's my exclusive interview with the fabulous Jacklynn Hyde!

To listen to the podcast, subscribe and download on Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, and Stitcher!

Block Talk- Episode 120: Michael Block

Oh my lord how the tides have turned! The interviewer becomes the interviewee! But it's gonna take two to fill these shows! Nicole Onoscopi and Seraphim take the mic to interview Mike!

To listen to the episode, download and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, or Stitcher!

Block Talk- Episode 118: Vanna Deux

Are you ready to Do the Deux? It's time to chat with everyone's favorite drunk aunt, Vanna Deux! 

To listen to the podcast, download and subscribe at Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, and Stitcher! 

Block Talk- Episode 117: Make Mike Watch Black Swan

In this edition of Make Mike Watch, prima ballerina Aria Derci joins me to dissect the psychological thriller Black Swan!

To listen to the podcast, download and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, or Stitcher!