Sasha Colby returns to the Big D for the STRUT Dallas Valentine’s Day Showdown
STEVEN LINDSEY | Contributuing Writer
stevencraiglindsey@gmail.com
To paraphrase Dolly Parton, here she comes again!
She, in this instance, happens to be the one-and-only Sasha Colby, winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 15. She graced us with her presence at House of Blues Dallas this past October during her Sasha Colby: Stripped II tour. And now we get to bask in her glow at an even more intimate space this Valentine’s Day when she headlines Strut at The Round-Up Saloon on Valentines Day.
It’s a tea dance! It’s a drag show! It’s a celebration of love!
For anyone who hasn’t been to a STRUT event, you’re in for a treat. The daytime LGBTQ+ event series from Deryck Todd (Todd Productions) takes place across the country — merging music, performance, fashion and community. From New York to Chicago, Nashville to Austin, each event taps into the local community to create a unique lineup and vibe based on the destination.
Events typically include a national headliner, but local performers get their chance to stand in the spotlight and reach a whole new audience of admirers. Plus, local businesses set up pop-up shops where you can find cool products and services from members of the queer community.
Valentine’s Day marks STRUT’s third time in Dallas. Beginning at 2 p.m., STRUT Dallas kicks off seven hours of entertainment, including emcee Chevelle Brooks and music by DJs Memoz, ApthOut and Level. Performers scheduled to appear include Arya Jealous, Blue Valentine, Briar Rose, Brigitte Bandit, Brandon Keller, Dallas Tap Dazzlers, IanXApril, Macarena, Mulan Alexander, the Oak Lawn Band, Patrick Riley, Purple, Reign LaRue and Taylor Summers.
Tickets start at $39.19 (including tax and fees) and go up to $65.87 (also including tax and fees) for a Sasha Colby meet and greet, which includes a ticket to the show.
We caught up with Sasha Colby over the weekend to find out what to expect, get her Valentine’s Day point of view and find out where she wants to eat when she’s back in Dallas.
Dallas Voice: First things first, tell us about the STRUT Valentine’s Day event you’re headlining in Dallas at The Round-Up Saloon. Sasha Colby: I am coming to Dallas with STRUT for their Valentine’s Day Showdown at the Round-Up Saloon. We have been working together for a long time, and I love traveling all over the place with STRUT. I’m excited to head back to Dallas and you can expect a lot of fun Valentine’s Day shenanigans there.
Have you worked with STRUT before? And if so, what’s the vibe of a STRUT event? I’ve had the pleasure of working with STRUT for almost two years now. Deryck and STRUT are just so incredible. The events are such fun and diverse queer parties. Deryck finds ways to bring the community together in the different cities we visit. When you come to a STRUT party, you can expect a lot of local talent showcased alongside some notable names, such as myself, and lots of other amazing queer performers and artists.
Similar question, have you experienced the Round-Up Saloon in Dallas before and all those sexy cowboys and cowgirls two-stepping around the dance floor? I actually have. I had the pleasure, before Drag Race, of being able to work in Dallas quite a lot with Erica Andrews. I would work at The Rose Room, and I would also work at the Round-Up Saloon. For me, the Round-Up is all about Miss Gay USofA, and I actually had the pleasure of judging a few pageants there. The Round-Up Saloon has some amazing drag alongside some amazing cowboys and cowgirls.
Can you give readers a glimpse into what your performance will be like at this STRUT event? I love a good theme. Being that it’s Valentine’s Day, you will definitely see a Valentine’s Day-themed number. I’ll be doing two performances. One is more spoken word and acting, and the other one is giving you quintessential Sasha Colby sexpot siren.
We have a lot of local talent taking part in the event, including drag performers, the Oak Lawn Band (think Queer Marching Band vibes!), and even a tap-dancing troupe. Why is it important for you to share the stage with local performers? I think it’s important that I get to meet the local performers and queer artists in every city, because that’s what makes up the drag scene and the energy of the city. Once you get to know the queer artists in every city, you really get an insight into what that city loves.
I also think it’s really important because I was given many opportunities to be a local queen and work alongside some amazing artists that I was inspired by, as well. To be showcased and given a platform alongside people that you admire and look up to, it really helps cultivate confidence as a queer artist.
Now, onto Valentine’s Day. What’s your ideal romantic encounter? I’m old school. I like to be wined and dined. My love language is definitely gifts and acts of service.
Are you Team Roses, Team Chocolate Covered Strawberries or Team Naughty Underwear? I love flowers, so I’m definitely Team Roses or Team Bouquet of Flowers.
We know you don’t get a lot of free time when you visit cities, but is there any place you visited last time or any place you hope to visit this time you’re here? Hopefully, a really good taco spot. That’s always my go-to, and, to be quite honest, Whataburger.
What’s next for Sasha Colby? I will definitely be traveling a lot this year, performing, and making memories. I do have some things in the works, but I can’t talk about it just yet. But, if you follow me, I’m sure you will be up-to-date with my future endeavors.
To keep track of all things Sasha Colby, follow her on Instagram (@sashacolby) or sashacolby.net. To learn more about STRUT and stay in the know about upcoming events in Dallas and across the nation, check out their Instagram (@strut_nyc).