Q Sacramento Magazine August 2014 feat. Mackenzie Claude

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A u g u s t 2014 nominee best online magazine

sac m a g a z i n e

Viva

the illusionist

Derrick

S p e c i a l

gay

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This britney got talent

Chippendales’

Jaymes Racing heartbeats around vegas

an a list artist

Nick

Pedro

creating magic on canvas

The diva of vegas

coco

Rupaul’s drag Race star

Model behavior f e a t .

Mackenzie Claude

Joshua Vegas’ Golden voice

& MORE! community • culture • lifestyle • fashion music • art • film • events • people

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from the editor Q Sacramento Magazine [Editor

Luis Barrera

in Chief]

& [creative

Director]

Lemuel haynes

[Fashion

& Event Editor]

Luis Barrera Photography [Photography]

Neil Pople

[Political correspondent] [editorial contributor]

Luis Barrera

Ramon araujo

[Editorial

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Photography Editor]

we are Currently accepting resumes and cover letters for the following positions: Event Photographers freelance Writers stylist assistant editors for more information www.qsacramento.com

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Leila VonSleichter Www.sincitymakeup.com Using Mac Cosmetics

Hello!

Well it’s Vegas time! That’s right we have packed our QSac bags and taken off to the Sin City! This whole August edition is devoted to some of the best Gay entertainers found in Las Vegas.

There was a lot of people who made this super edition happen. First and foremost a HUGE thank you to The New Tropicana Hotel for all their accommodations. Truly is a world class resort right in the Vegas Strip in the middle of the action yet it’s still feels so personable. Let me just say we had the pleasure of staying in one of their amazing suites and it was not only modern, clean and beautiful yet it had this home-like feeling. We were in Las Vegas for about five days and we got to experience Tropicana’s amazing award winning restaurants and were able to enjoy ‘Mama Mia’ The Musical. We also were present on Saturday for their all new Xposed Gay Pool Party! Their Cabana service is unlike no other and it was a party from start to finish. Xposed is a must when your in Vegas. We had our centerfold photo shoot at their exquisite Havana Room, that’s available for private event bookings. Let me just say, it was everything Vegas is about. It was elegant, fun, colorful and classic. We had a blast shooting all six of our stars in such an amazing room over looking their VIP pool area. Thank you again to the marketing staff of The New Tropicana Hotel for their support.

I’d also like to thank The Neon Museum for allowing us to shoot three of our features. This place is breathtaking. It houses vintage restored neon signs that once lite up the strip. They are out of this world, huge, iconic, architectural pieces of art. If you love art, lights and retro artifacts this is a must stop to your next Vegas strip visit. Check out their ad on the next page to view information on booking a tour or if you’re down for the fun, booking the venue for photo shoots or even filming projects.

Another amazing person to thank is our cover guy for the month, Mackenzie Claude. I met ‘Mack’ in one of his recent trips to Sacramento. Didn’t know anything about him, but I heard him say he was a model. Ever the networking person I am, I handed him my business card. Needless to say he sold me on the idea of a Vegas edition of QSac and few months later here we are. Even though Mack is our cover feature, these last couple of months it has felt like he’s been part of our QSac team.

His inputs and opinions really shaped the way this edition came out. If you ever worked with Mack you know he always does everything 110% nothing less. So, thank you Mack for all your help you’re a very talented person.

As always there is always there are a lot of people working behind the scenes making this magazine possible. Special thanks to our Fashion Editor Pete Haynes who’s job is to make sure this publication is always one step forward from the rest. I’d also like to thank my amazing partner in crime who headed to Vegas with me Ramzzi, Thank you for always being there and helping me out. I couldn’t do it without you, I love you babe. Also our new monthly writer and political contributor Neil Pople, this month he had the opportunity to interview the winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race, Season 6, Bianca Del Rio. We enjoy having Neil in our team, he is such a great addition.

I hope you enjoy this special edition of QSac.

editor in chief

Fred Harmon / Anna cohen / devani hubbard The New Tropicana Las Vegas Dawn Merrit / Erin Stellmon The neon Museum

Lu s Barrera Published & Created by

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2014 nominee best online magazine

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Day

Night

Until someone builds a time machine, this tour is as close as you’ll ever get to reliving the history of Las Vegas (in all its weird, wonderful glory).

If you’re more intrigued by the “darker side” of our past, our after-hours tour gives you a peek into the late night world of this city that never slept.

BOOK A TOUR

NeonMuseum.org

Nice Package! The Ultimate Vegas Party Weekend

Enjoy two free passes to the Xposed! beach party by staying at The New Tropicana Las Vegas.

Beach Club Reservations For VIP, cabanas and daybeds, email Xposed@TropLV.com.

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SIX OF LAS VEGAS’S FINEST Socialites, Artists and ENTERTAIners all gathered at The new Tropicana’s Havana Room for special soiree to celebrate being the toast of the town.

The Havana Room

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from left to right: Mackenzie Claude, CoCo Montrese, Jaymes Vaughan, Derrick Barry, Nick San Pedro and Joshua Strickland.

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Let’s face it, Las Vegas has always been a little gay. The lights, the sparkle, the dancing, the fabulous costumes. Three people always come to mind when we think of Gay Las Vegas, Liberace and Siegfried and Roy, but just as Las Vegas has evolved from the gambling capital of the world to the entertainment capital of the world, so has the Gay LGBT community in Vegas.

We are no longer limited to only being over the top, bedazzled loving pianist or daredeviling lion enthusiastic partners.

The Gay Vegas community has now evolved to headlining entertainers who can, vocally speaking, give Elvis a run for his money honey to sexy male dancers that any straight woman would lust over.

Vegas is not only creating performers on the stage. Vegas is home to up and coming models and A-List artist, utilizing the Vegas headliners to spotlight their art.

And while there is still plenty of Drags around Vegas, these female illusionist are anything but a drag. They are truly mirror images of their inspired artist and at times out perform them on the stage.

This is what Vegas now has to offer and this is what Gay Vegas is becoming. And this is Q Sacramento’s review of the Best Gay Vegas has to offer.

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by Luis Barrera Host, Actor, and Fitness personality, Jaymes Vaughan brings his southern personality and charm to the screen through his talent.

Headliner and host of the world famous Chippendales in Las Vegas, Nevada, Jaymes is no stranger to the entertainment world. He has guested on segments for Access Hollywood, Entertainment Tonight, The Talk, and has appeared on The Ellen Show. His on air hosting abilities extend from Las Vegas local ABC’s The Morning Blend, FOX’s More Access, to national segment host on Designing Spaces on Lifetime.

His passion for fitness has landed him key roles on OK TV, Access Hollywood Live and the Daily Beast. His quick wit and humor have been featured numerous times in Entertainment Weekly, and he was voted Reality Nation’s Hottest Reality Star, after placing second on CBS’s Amazing Race 21.

His hosting experience has taken Jaymes all over the world from Las Vegas, to Germany, to Hong Kong, and more.

Vaughan is committed to making time to giving back when he can. He holds charities events for St. Jude Children’s Hospital, The American Cancer Society, and Aid for AIDS of Nevada (AFAN). Jaymes is a huge fan of Social Media, so much so, he received a degree in Mass Media from Virginia Commonwealth University. He enjoys interacting with his followers and can be followed on Twitter and Instagram: @jaymesv.

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You traveled the world during The Amazing Race, now your part of a show that people travel to world to come see, What do you love the most about working at Chippendales?

Honestly, I’ve done a lot of shows all over the world, and Chippendales is the one show where no matter what night it is, no matter what time of year it is, we always have an amazing stand on your feet, out of control (in a good way) audience. So those people that travel the world to come see us, I am very very thankful for.

What are some of you hidden talents that people might not assume you do?

A lot of people don’t know I’m first and foremost a singer. I’ve paid my bills doing it since my first show at 16. That was also the reason I was initially hired at Chippendales, because they wanted the singing element in the show. I actually even had a song, “Light Up The Skies” on the dance charts last year with James, who I did the Amazing Race with. So that’s probably the one thing a of of people don’t realize I do.

But honestly as long as they are coming to see me, regardless of what it is they think I do, I’m glad they came. Shows don’t stay open without am audience and very grateful to be a part of one that always has an audience.

Your physique is a really important part of your job, what are some foods you try to avoid, what are some suggestions you’d give to someone looking to improve their body? Whats your work out routine like?

READ THE LABELS! This is so important and people don’t realize it. My big brother recently just dropped 50lbs just by starting to read the labels on his food and avoid foods with high levels of trans fats, saturated fats, and sugars. You’d be surprised how fattening some stuff you eat is and you had no idea because you didn’t read the label. As far as working out goes, set aside a day for each body part. Have a day for: chest, arms, shoulders, back, legs. Focus on lifting heavy and very controlled. It’s so easy to find great exercise tutorials online now too so just go to google, type in for example “chest exercises,” and get to it. The first and hardest step is starting. After about 10 days it become routine and then before you know it you’re body is way different and way better than it was.

On your day to day, what do you wear? Boxers? Briefs? What brand of underwear do you enjoy wearing?

I love this hard hitting journalism! Haha just come see me at Chippendales at the Rio All Suite Hotel and Casino in Vegas and you’ll see a wide variety of underwear. But honestly my favorites are my Diesel boxer briefs. So comfortable.

We know what happens in vegas stays in Vegas, but what is one of your crazies experiences while performing?

You mean besides the barrage of women’s panties that have been thrown directly at my head onstage? No joke. I guess it is actually flattering, cause I mean they wouldn’t be tossing their underwear at me if they didn’t like me. Right?

You’re a multi-talented entertainer where do you hope your career takes you next?

A lot more TV. My degree is actually in broadcast journalism and I’ve been using that a lot more. Especially in the entertainment news arena. More music of course, and acting. I’m in the over 30 club now though so I’ve hung up the modeling. Don’t nobody wanna see that old crusty dude who’s still trying to act like he got it.

I live a very blessed life and I’m very thankful for everything I’ve already gotten to do. But I’ve still got real big plans. After all, you only get one life, so you better do every damn thing you want to do

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Coco Montrese has come a long way from starring in the Season 5 of RuPual’s Drag Race, where she was first contestant in Drag Race history to lip sync four times in the same season, winning the Miss Gay America title in 2010, and traveling around the nation to perform. Originally from Miami, Florida, Coco now resides in Las Vegas Nevada and is part of what she calls the “Most Outrageous Female Impersonator Show”, the Frank Marino’s Diva’s Show in Las Vegas where people now travel around the world to see this true Diva lip sync her heart out.

What do you love about being part of Frank Marino’s Divas?

Besides it being the longest running headliner on the Las Vegas strip, It’s been an opportunity of a lifetime. For me to have been discovered and to get a spot in this show was a dream come true.

I get to work with several legends in that show.

What is your favorite character to portray?

Janet Jackson of course she’s such an ICON and such a staple in our community with her stance on equality and other social issues, it makes her very respected by myself. Plus, her dancing as an artist is unmatched and often duplicated by today’s up and coming young artist.

Who haven’t you impersonated that you’re looking to do next?

I’m really looking forward to doing Toni Braxton, people always say we resemble so I wanna give it a try . I’ve been a big fan of hers for years and now her sister has my attention too. Tamar Braxton is a hoot....love her. Toni is more laid back with the voice of an angel.

What kind of training do you do when your developing a new character?

People don’t realize there’s a lot that goes into portraying a character correctly. Not just replicating costumes or facial features that resemble but you must embody the character, which means studying their demeanor and behaviors. Watching their performances but also their interviews you can learn a lot from their mannerisms, and that makes your portrayal of the character more believable. For me it’s countless hours of research before even the first attempt at bringing the character to life for an audience.

Being part of the RDR family, how do you feel the show is evolving? You think the casting has been getting better?

Worse?

Being Apart of The Rupaul Drag Race family is just epic. To be among some of the worlds most fierce talented queens who have achieved the same fame and popularity , it’s a good feeling.

Rupaul has given us so much to be grateful for, the opportunity to travel the world and entertain. For the world to see Drag in mainstream it’s awesome to be a part of that. I’m extremely grateful to the super model of the world for that! MAMA RU!

What do you love about performing in Vegas?

Performing in vegas is just surreal! Just driving to work and passing several billboards with my face is humbling and evokes a sense of gratitude for the blessings we receive in life. To leave the theater every night where the audience doesn’t see you as a drag queen but and artist is amazing.

You seem to always be on the go, what do you do when your not performing? How do you enjoy a day of in your life?

A normal day off not handling business and building my brand is rare, but when they do occur I like a normal simple life, beaches of LA, no clubs, love shopping crystal shops at city center of course, dinner at Sinatra’s at The Wynn/ Encore on the strip and all the tourist attractions. I love my city of Las Vegas.

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At 30 years of age, Joshua Strickland has a performing portfolio most live performers could only dream of. His career expands from being on Season 2 of American Idol, to an appearance on “All My Children”, to Disney’s Broadway production of Tarzan.

Yet, of all of his previous roles and performances, his current starring role in “VEGAS! The Show” at The Saxe Theater inside Planet Hollywood Resort seems to be the most befitting for him. He not only gets to perform in the Vegas strip but he also gets to portrait and pay homage to some of the best entertainers in the world, making Joshua Strickland truly the voice of Las Vegas.

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Vegas The Show

by Luis Barrera

When did you know you wanted to be a performer? What would of been your alternative career?

I knew I wanted to perform ever since I got my first fisher price microphone at the age of four. It’s always been in my blood and I just don’t know what I would do without music. If this career never took off I probably would have gone into teaching music or musical therapy profession.

How is performing in Las Vegas different (Better/or Worse) than performing anywhere else?

Las Vegas is truly like no other place. It is one of the biggest entertainment cities in the world. The vibe and the community of performers is so amazing to be a part of, and to know that some of the greatest performers of all time use to perform on these stages makes it even that more special.

How did you land your current role in Vegas! The Show?

I actually got a call for our producer David Saxe after PeepShow closed and asked if I would be interested in being a part of the show, I went in and watched it again and I definitely knew I wanted to be a part of such and incredible cast and incredible show paying homage to Vegas’ past.

What do you love about Vegas The Show?

Being able to perform Frank Sinatra, Elvis, Elton John, and Wayne Newton every night is just a dream come true. They truly embody what Las Vegas is and will always be.

You have a very diverse portfolio, from Broadway to television to musicals. What do you enjoy doing the most?

Where do you see your career going in a few years? Is there something you haven’t yet done that you want to get into?

I have been very blessed to be a part of so many amazing projects and I’m just lucky and blessed to be able to do what I love to do, and that is singing. If there was one thing I wanted to do in my career, it would be to voice a character in a Disney animated film, that would make me complete.

There’s a lot of young entertainers out there, trying to catch their first big break. Whats your advise for them? What would be your advise to your younger self as your career was just starting?

The only thing I can say is to never ever give up. There are moments when you feel like non of the doors are going to open, and then one does and thats all it takes. Take each job and opportunity as a growing lesson to make yourself better and further your knowledge for the future.

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The triple treat Who said business and pleasure should never mix, never met these three. The Vegas trio are one talent force not to be underestimated.

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DerrickBarry

by Luis Barrera

It’s hard to believe that it’s been more than 10 years that Derrick Barry started his entertainment career. Derrick launched into the national spotlight with his appearance on NBC’s America’s Got Talent broadcast competition. To many of us, that’s when Derrick, the Britney Spears imitator, was born, however that is just one of his many career highlights. His admiration for Britney began with Spear’s debut single ‘Baby One More Time’ in the late 90’s. On Halloween 2003, Derrick took his talents in theater, music, performing and his love for Britney Spears to the streets of Santa Monica boulevard in California, dressed up as Britney Spears and performed her songs. His characterization of Britney Spears was a hit and Derrick found the key that would launch him into the spotlight. Soon after, Derrick started performing at Mickey’s in West Hollywood. He met Chad Michaels, an established Cher impersonator, who, in 2012, would become the runner up winner in Logo’s Rupaul’s Drag Race Season 4 and later the winner in the Rupaul’s All Star Season. Chad saw the huge star Derrick could be and directed Derrick to an audition at ‘An Evening at La Cage’ at La Riviera in Las Vegas, an established female impersonation show on the Las Vegas strip. After landing the job, Derrick began developing the details of impersonating Britney Spears until his 2008 audition of America’s Got Talent season 3, in which Derrick reached the Top 40. Now Derrick travels the world doing what he does best, performing as the princess of pop. He’s also a cast member of Frank Marino’s Divas Las Vegas Show, performing up to six times a week and can be seen regularly performing at Share Nightclub in Las Vegas.

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How is performing in Vegas different than performing anywhere else?

Vegas is the live entertainment capital of the world! I just celebrated my 10 year anniversary performing on The Las Vegas Strip and it really shaped me into the entertainer I am today. Before working in Vegas, I had never even heard of a Swarovski Crystal. Now I can’t even set foot on stage without having a costume completely embellished. Divas Las Vegas represents the best in business and they all inspire me to showcase the glitz and glamour in all of my performances worldwide. Now I have to compete with the real Britney Spears in her “Piece Of Me” show down the street. You won’t find her in every city that my tour stops. It’s my job to represent the magic of Vegas and the illusion of Britney when I’m on the road, but at the end of the day, there’s no place like home.

What do you love about imitating Britney?

I love impersonating Britney because I’m honestly a true fan. Since the debut of the “...Baby One More Time” video, I was hooked. Not only captivated by her beauty, I was also amazed by her dancing and abilities as a gymnast. This new pop sensation was my generation’s Madonna & Janet. I first started impersonating her vocals in high school and finally dressed up like her on Halloween 2003 when I was in college. I never expected this to turn into a career, but why would I pass the opportunity to be a Pop PRINCEess? Her music has always influenced my life. While living in LA I was offered my first job impersonating Britney in Las Vegas. I remember driving the streets of a Hollywood thinking I’m giving up on my dreams if I moved to Vegas to impersonate someone else. While listening to the radio I asked the Universe to give me a sign and guide me if Vegas was the place for me. The next song on the radio was Toxic. I laughed and called the Vegas producer and accepted the contract. It didn’t stop there. Britney released “3”, a provocative song about ménage à trios and not long after, my boyfriend Nick San Pedro and I met Mackenzie Claude.

I never imagined that as my wedding song, but if “living in sin is the new thing”, then I’m going straight to hell.

Besides Britney, what are some other characters you perform?

I started impersonating Lady Gaga 5 years ago for the opening of Divas Las Vegas. I’ve already met her twice and even opened for her in Las Vegas. She told me I was beautiful and was shocked to learn I do my own makeup. I apologized to her for lip-synching to her music and she replied, “That’s okay, don’t worry about it because if you didn’t, you drag queens would put us out of business.” I’ve impersonated Amy Winehouse in the past with live vocals because I love connecting to the emotion in her songs.

I did Katy Perry a couple times, but I’ll leave that to the professionals. I’ve always heard I would make a great Pink so that’s next on my list.

Being in the public eye, what do you feel is the biggest missed conception of you as a performer/person?

People think that I live my life as a girl or want to be a woman. I’ve even shocked fans when they find out that I don’t have real breasts. It’s incredible what contouring with highlights and low lights can do to alter your features. I am 100% man and have had 0% surgery to look like a woman. Celebrity female impersonation is just like any other job. I have a uniform that I wear to get the job done. Mine just happens to be more fabulous than others.

On any given day, it seems you’re surrounded by Queens from RuPaul’s Drag Race. Is RDR in your future?

I was a Top 40 semi-finalist on America’s Got Talent during the Summer of 2008. That is also the summer that WOW filmed Season 1 of RuPaul’s Drag Race. I was midway through filming AGT when I got the call to audition for RPDR. Unfortunately, I could not audition because both shows filmed during the same time. When they reached out again for Season 2, I was on my first world tour following Britney Spears’ Circus Tour. Again, I couldn’t be in two places at once. Year after year, I contemplated auditioning, especially after having friends or coworkers be cast on the show. Nick San Pedro and I actually filmed CoCo Montrese’s audition video. Watching Shannel, Chad, Willam, CoCo and Courtney really inspired me to want to do the show. For the first time, I auditioned for Season 7, but it must not be the right time for me. I’ve worked with the RPDR Queens for years, but I’m not a RuGirl... Yet.

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You are more than just a double to Britney; you’re a live singer, a dancer, and an entertainer. How is Derrick Barry evolving going forward?

I’m ready to step out of my comfort zone. I’ve been doing drag for 10+ years and I’m ready to challenge myself again as an entertainer.

What are some of your future plans or goals? Your own live show in the strip? An album? Reality TV? When I’m not on tour you can find me in Divas Las Vegas 6 nights a week and at Share Nightclub performing on Fridays and Saturdays. My goal is to take my drag characters on SNL as a cast member or host. I live for comedy and SNL is the top platform. I’ll always love live theater and Vegas stages, but my heart’s perpetually set on Broadway. Musical theater is a big part of my foundation and I’m looking forward to singing on stages very soon. I’ve even written some of my own material to record. Film and television are definitely on my list. I want the world to see my facets in many lights. Just like a crystal, I want to shine in everything I do. I may be know for being Britney, but it’s Derrick Bitch.

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Model behavior

Claude

by Luis Barrera

Sacramento native Mackenzie Claude always dreamed about living a life in the public eye. After years of dreaming big, Claude set up to make things happen and along the way managed to shake up the Vegas scene. The now runway and print model is also known for his VIP hosting at Las Vegas hottest gay nightclub “Share.”

He’s now in the center of the VIP scene in Sin City knowing and networking with the hottest celebrities to hit the strip and continuing to grow his own personal brand powered by his connections and charming personality.

Claude is not only shaking the industry, he’s also shaking up the way people view relationships. He is one of three in what is the hottest partnerships in the industry. Claude is currently dating to Las Vegas artist Nick San Pedro and Entertainer Derrick Barry. Claude credits both of his partners for helping him in many aspects of his life. To us however, is just another way showing that the sky is the limit for Mackzie Claude.

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What inspired you to get into modeling? What was your big break?

A quarter life crises. I realized that I was 25 and still hadn’t tackled any of my dreams. I decided I couldn’t live with myself if I didn’t at least try so I walked into work at the credit union the next day and handed in my 30 day resignation. It turned out to be the best decision of my life!

Las Vegas was my big break! This is the city that signed me! Vegas gave me my first magazine covers, billboards, fashion shows, a television appearance.... and even two partners to share all these beautiful experiences with.

What designer, fashion trend, or era inspires your own personal styling?

II like all that is suave, clean and sophisticated. Mix that with some edginess and personality and you have my personal style.

However, more importantly to me are the things & people that inspire me in my craft. I find old James Bond movies, high fashion, Lana Del Rey, heartbreak, Scarface, my time with the Marines, guns & Religion all very fascinating. Those are the things that inspire my shoots or even that serious, squinty-eyed smize that has come to find itself in a lot of my photos.

What are some campaigns or runways where people might have seen you?

My most recognizable work is definitely RuPaul’s Drag Race. Drag Superstar Alaska Thunderfuck made me over on an episode into Nebraska Thunderfuck. It happened over a year ago and I still receive messages and fan-art from fans of the show to this day. Now let me tell you, never in a million years did I ever think I would be recognized as a drag queen, but I don’t mind it. It’s actually one of the great things about pursuing dreams... Anything truly can happen.

As far as modeling, I walked for Fashion Week Las Vegas last year and won the Emerging Runway Model Competition. I shot a campaign for international designer Alex Vinash and got my first international magazine cover and spread because of it. I shot billboard campaigns for Piranha Nightclub and also Las Vegas’ annual Black & White Party.

The latter can actually be found around the City of Sin right now. I also landed the cover of Las Vegas’ largest LGBT publication QVegas Magazine.

What are your aspirations with your modeling career? Any auditions coming up?

Starting out my aspirations were to get signed, land a cover, my big dream was to do a fashion week or see myself on a billboard. As those dreams started becoming realities I realized I was exactly where I am supposed to be in life. Now my aspiration is to just keep my work and career evolving.

What are some of the things you love about modeling and about VIP hosting?

I love that I get to become someone else in front of the camera. I love that I get to play with emotions and looks. I spent six years of my life with the Marines and before that I was in foster care so I kind of built up this wall and hardened, straight-faced personality. When I’m in front of the camera I get to let that all go. The wall comes down, I get creative and I have a moment of freedom.

VIP Hosting in Las Vegas actually compliments my modeling ambitions.

It allows me to have a flexible schedule and network with the community. Las Vegas has an amazing LGBT base and I am lucky to have a position that allows me to be in the middle of it!

How do you balance everything you do? Hosting, modeling, love life?

Very carefully. I rarely drink or party. Luckily my partners are both in the field of entertainment so we all can work interdependently. We help each other with projects, attend each other’s events and even celebrate our successes together. Or we are there to pick one another up if someone falls.

Honestly we have very little free time here in Vegas, but we each love what we do so it doesn’t matter.

What are some of your personal goals for the next 5 years?

I want to walk in New York Fashion Week, I would like to sign to an A-list agency, maybe Wilhelmina because I enjoy high fashion work.

I’m 6’3” and I do believe the taller the model the higher the fashion.

Most of all my goal is to continue reaching for the stars.

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A-LIST ARTIST:

by Luis Barrera 24

They say you’re only as cool as who you know, if that’s the case, artist Nick San Pedro is very cool person. Las Vegas artist Nick San Pedro has been painting since a very young age and was encouraged by his family to pursue his dreams to make it his profession. Successfully incorporating his love for music and performances into his art helped him grab the attention of many of the celebrities that came through Las Vegas. One of the greatest honors he received as a young artist was recognition from the White House for a cartoon commentary he produced on the use of tobacco and drug abuse in adolescence. In 2002, he was commissioned to produced work for Carson Daily’s Last Call. That following year he was hired to produced eight portrait pieces of art for the Grammy Awards that included portraits of Madonna among others.

After San Pedro debuted his artwork in New York City’s prestigious Rainbow Room he has gone on to share his paintings with numerous celebrities including: Christina Aguilera, Nelly Frutado, Tori Amos, Sarah McLachlan, Elton John, Celine Dion, Carole King, Stevie Nicks, Steven Spielberg, Gwen Stefani, Pink, Carey Hart, Siegfried & Roy, Jerry Seinfeld, The Osbournes, Carson Daly, Ludacris, Kathy Griffin, Carmen Electra, Pamela Anderson, RuPaul, Perez Hilton, Katy Perry, Ashley Tisdale, Mariah Carey and Lady Gaga among others.

When asked what his style is most like he explains “My artwork is most compared to that of Andy Warhol. I am mostly inspired by music, and my work is mainly figurative. I am a colorist at heart & I feel that painting the human face & body with a unique pallet garners the most gratifying attention from people.” Even thought Las Vegas is known for entertainment San Pedro explains that the Vegas Art scene is evolving and adding that “... like any artist community, it takes time to flourish. I am impressed with the rate that it is evolving. I am proud to be a Las Vegas native, and to be connected to the art history.” said San Pedro.

San Pedro works with high contrasting complementary colors and painted faces that seduce with their eyes. He finds purpose in sharing the beauty of humanity and all living things. Grateful for his gift of art, San Pedro finds solace in donating his artwork to causes that help youth, educate the masses & heal those in need.

When not creating artwork, San Pedro enjoys spending time with his family & loved ones. He also enjoys practicing yoga, studying metaphysics & traveling. The artist is happily taken by his partners & muses famed celebrity female impersonator Derrick Barry & model Mackenzie Claude Robert.

Most recently, Nick shared his artwork with Lady Gaga and his work is currently featured on the official YouTube channel of Madonna and the official website for Britney Spears. He looks forward to combining his figurative paintings with metaphysical themes in the near future and tour the world adding that he would love to show in Paris, Spain and Italy.

Lus Barrera

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For more information about San Pedro’s art, or to purchase works, please visit his official website www.sanpedrostudio. com ©

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sac m a g a z i n e

1050 20th St / Ste 170

Sacramento, CA 95811

www.denimspot.com

Ex c l u s i v e

Bianca Del Rio by neil pople

Bianca Del Rio has taken the drag world by storm since her show-stopping performance on Season 6 of “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” never mincing words and showing a style all her own that has created a cult following. Bianca has been feeling the love from London to Sacramento as she tours clubs with her comedy act, and recently took the time to speak to Q Magazine after her performance at Badlands this past month.

Bianca Del Rio, also known as Roy Haylock offstage, has seen her star rise after her successful stint on the popular Logo Network series crowned her as “America’s Next Drag Superstar.” Haylock has long been involved in performing arts, having been a costume designer from local theatre to the New Orleans Opera all the way to his current day job working on Broadway productions like Evita starring Ricky Martin. A career in design helped spawn the creation of what can best be described as Don Rickles in a dress, only prettier and funnier. “It really started in high school theatre when people would ask ‘Hey can you sew?’ And I’d say sure! Or ‘Hey do you know how to paint?’ Sure! ‘Hey do you know how to comb hair?’ Sure! After a while of doing that some friends were doing a show called ‘Pageant’ and asked if I’d be willing to do a little part in it. So of course I said ‘sure’ and through that some of the drag queens in the show encouraged me more and more. And all the way up to ‘Drag Race’ I was basically working a day job as a costume designer for Broadway and doing drag at night just for fun and doing standup.”

The 6th season of ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ saw its share of drama, some instigated by Del Rio herself. With over 2 dozen drag queens vying for the crown and $100,000, competition was fierce. Bianca held her own though and even showed a softer side of her usually abrasive character, becoming a mentorfigure to fellow contestants like runner-up Adore Delano.

To Bianca, none of the other challengers were considered threats. But that isn’t to say she thought of them as lesser.

“I just think that, for me, I didn’t look at it as ‘oh she’s better’ or ‘she’s not better than me.’ I knew that everyone on this show was chosen for a reason. I knew what Courtney (Act) looked like before the show and Darienne (Lake) I had heard of before. But the thing about the show is that it’s not necessarily about who’s prettiest or about who’s the best at something but rather how you handle the pressure, and it’s a test to yourself, a test of your skills and a test of your mind in the

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moment. I knew that there were so many girls I could respect for their skills and talents, but at the end of the day I kept my eyes on the prize. I can’t deny Courtney Act’s beauty. I can’t deny Darienne Lake’s lip-synching abilities. These were all things I was aware of and so my thought was not to put myself in the lead of the musical, so to speak. Each one of them had so much star quality and I knew what my strengths were and just played them out without worrying too much about anyone else.

“But I also remember at some point about mid-way through the show that I really liked Adore Delano. I mean, there’s something about Adore that’s quite charming and likable. I didn’t know her prior to the show. She just has a talent that’s undeniable and I think she’s really spectacular.”

Bianca’s schtick isn’t all gumdrops and rainbows, though. The soft side we saw on ‘Drag Race’ is not the norm, and some have left a Bianca Del Rio show wondering if the comic had gone too far. “We now live in a world where everybody has an opinion about every fucking thing, which to me is insane.

Not that people aren’t entitled to an opinion, but I think there are far more serious things going on in the world than what a drag queen says and does. If people lose their shit that’s their problem.”

Lucky for us, Bianca is returning to Sacramento this upcoming August 24th at Faces, where she’ll be trying out new material on the crowds. “Well, all around the country I’ve been doing what I did at Badlands, which is some comedy and a lot of audience participation. But I think this time around we’re going to do a little bit more stand-up. The audience participation-thing I’ve been doing for a while, so I kind of need to switch it up for myself. I’m working on a one-man/ one-woman show called “The Rolodex of Hate Tour” which will premiere in New York in November, so I’m working on material for that. I’m really fortunate that I get to travel around and try this material out! I’m not naturally a joke writer, I kind of usually make observations about the world.”

With touring the globe making appearances in clubs and even cruise line gigs, ramping up her new show at the Grammercy in NYC, and plans for a feature film comedy in the works, Bianca Del Rio is making the most of her time in the spotlight. Only time will tell what this growing cult icon will do next!

Lus Barrera

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featuring

Adore Delano rupaul’s Drag Race Season six finalist.

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N o m i n a t e d

Q Sacramento Magazine and publisher Luis Barrera have been nominated for the 2014 LGBT Hero Awards. We been nominated in two categories and we need your help to bring home a win to our Northern California Sacramento region. The LGBT Hero awards will take place in Los Angels on September 18th at 7PM at Circus Disco. Vote now for us in the following categories.

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Q Sacramento Magazine Social Media personality of the year

Luis Barrera

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