The Glitz and Gather from the eye of a beholder

Gather reigned in their annual Spring Drag Show on Saturday, April 12, 2025, with a disco fever! Returning Queens, and a few new stars added into the rotation, took the stage to celebrate the arrival of the warmer season with some amazing throwbacks and crowdpleasers from the showstopping and sparkling 70s & 80s.

The VIP experience

I was lucky enough to experience my first drag show via the stylings of Gather on Broadway and the talented Queens selected by the show’s director, Joey Black. Stepping into a VIP meet and greet experience, which included specialty cocktails and drinks, I was in sheer awe and excitement at the production quality of the evening.

Tickets were scanned, we were escorted to our tables, and the evening was ours from there! Before I could even slip my purse onto the back of my chair, a very sweet and attentive catering waitress approached our table with a tray of lemon feta french fry cones, wtih aioli and chives on top, which is when my friends and I realized there would be an amazing assortment of food and drink with our VIP experience! This truly only elevated the night, especially for a drag show first-timer like myself.

Next to the check-in station was a table and a crew member ready to exchange $20 bills for bundles of $1s, to adequately tip the electrifying Queens bringing the entertainment of the night, leading then to a direct path to the decorated bar and excited bartenders. Not only was there a specialty selection of cocktails that could only make you think of the perfectly captured theme, but mocktails as well to cater to those looking for the same experience, while sober!

“I loved the variation in specialty cocktails and mocktails,” a guest remarked. “The jello shots weren’t too strong, which is a hard line to walk with jello shots, and the inclusion of craft-made NA beverages as well as their fun and fancy cocktails assured the space for everyone to enjoy themselves! This was my first time to Gather, and I’ll definitely be sure to return.”

Some of the specialized menu items circling the venue included the aforementioned seasoned waffle fry cone, a crispy chicken Caesar salad flatbread, Jyll’s famous Bang Bang shrimp tacos, a whipped goat cheese crostini with hot honey and chopped almonds, and caprese skewers with the standard elements of tomatoes and arugula, and a special addition of prosciutto and fried mozzarella balls instead of fresh – craving a sweet tooth after all of those delicious creations? Gather’s talented pastry chef and crew weren’t going to leave the evening without treating everyone, too!

Crew members returned just before the show started with two variations of sweet treats for each guest: a salted caramel shortbread sandwich cookie frosted to replicate a disco ball, and blackberry cobbler shooters. Just when I thought I couldn’t fit another single thing into my stomach throughout the evening, one last treat made its round across the venue of a decadent chocolate truffle, which was, fittingly, also decorated to replicate a disco ball.

One guest mentioned how impressed she was with how the elements were tied together through each feature, expressing, “The food, decor, and drinks all brought the 70s-theme together! I loved the cocktails, and the food was incredible, but my favorites of the evening were the waffle fries and the disco ball cookie!”

More than qualified Queens

Sparkly silver disco balls and bright pink and orange lights curated an ambience everyone could find confidence in, especially as the personable Queens made the rounds, introducing themselves, ensuring comfort in each attendee, and carrying genuine conversations with fans and show-goers. This was the perfect opportunity for photos and questions with the Queens before they took the stage to show up and show out!

Before the show started, the talented and educational emcee, Ellah Maeux, took the stage to introduce the night, gauging how many new faces filled the crowd, and more than happy to provide education on the topic in the most captivating of ways, while of course integrating her own performance stylings as well.

Regarding attendance at Gather’s drag shows, there is always a large collection of drag show first-timers, thus slightly unaware of how the crowd’s atmosphere will pan out – Excited? Nervous? Loud? Shy? Ellah Maeux, the talented show coordinator, Joey Black, and all of the fabulous Queens know exactly how to work everyone in the crowd, ensuring everyone is comfortable, if not at home, in the night’s exaggerations.

“This was my first ever drag show I’ve had the privilege of attending,” one attendee glowed. “I have always wanted to go to a drag show to experience the culture and support the LGBTQ community, so having a drag show so close to my home was amazing. I was looking for more insight about drag and gay culture so I can be an informed advocate for the queer community, while having so much fun with my friends! I was happily surprised by how much the Queens made me feel like a ‘queen’ (pardon the pun).”

“Though I’ve not attended one of Gather’s before now, I have attended drag shows before,” another commented, “One of my friends is a Drag Queen in Appleton, WI, and just won for Miss Drag Queen of Kenosha! All of the Queens at Gather’s show were fantastic, I don’t think I could pick just one. However, it was especially amazing to watch the performances by the Queens with 20+ years of experience!”

Like the rest of the venue’s Glitz and Gather performances, the show was comprised of both returning and debuting Queens selected by the professional and immensely experienced show coordinator and veteran Queen, Joey Black. Returning Queens who took the stage, and are frequently asked back, included the beloved Mercedes Benzova, Loretta Love Lee, Taysha Montenegro, and Dra Matica, with newcomers Venezia Sodi, and emcee and performer Ellah Maeux.

“I loved all the Queens and how much they interacted with the crowd; they were all unique in their own ways,” one audience member noted. “Although, my favorite Queen had to be Miss Joey Black; her quick wit and willingness to teach the crowd about Drag were amazing!”

Being a Night at the Disco, attendees could anticipate some of their favorite familiar songs performed by the Queens, such as The Weather Girls’ “It’s Raining Men”, or, of course, ABBA’s “Dancing Queen”, joyfully screaming along and encouraging the memorable performances as the dollars slipped from hand to hand. And as the evening bustled with business and fun, the ever attentive staff, including the owners, ran from table to table ensuring everyone was comfortable and satisfied with their time.

After three performances each, the Queens closed out the night with a group number to a 70s disco classic, “We Are Family” by Sister Sledge, followed by a meet and greet and group photos along Gather’s decked out photo backdrop. Of course, there were nothing but good words and comments overheard as guests spilled back out the front doors and into the lively downtown streets of Green Bay, some pulling out their phones and quickly signing themselves up for the mailing list to watch for announcements on the Fall show.

“I have never been to an event hosted by Gather, but I have been inside the venue for a drink when they hosted for Wednesday farmers markets over the summer,” one guest mentioned. “After tonight, I will definitely come to Gather again for a ticketed experience! I loved the atmosphere, and the people involved made the whole event so much fun!”

Follow the illustrious Queens on social media to find their next shows, and keep an eye on Gather’s website for announcements of the next drag show, a live music event, or one of their coveted Taste events! I certainly anticipate the next time I am given the pleasure to walk through their doors once again.