Q-Seattle Events: Tacky Tourist Clubs: February is the big drag show for local Court

Stepping down: The Pearl of the Pacific & Orient Seas, "The Thrilla from Manila" - The Empress of Seattle, HMISM Olympia XXXV Aleksa Manila and The Lapis & Onyx Leather Cowboy Emperor - The Emperor of Seattle, Rainier XXXII Larry Stewart Ryan

The Imperial Court of Seattle Coronation Ball -- the mother of all drag shows -- takes to the stage and to the bars the weekend of February 15 to 18, but with previews this weekend.

Coronation 2007 is Saturday, Feb. 17, at the Red Lion Hotel downtown at 1415 5th Ave [get directions]. The night begins with a monarch's reception at 5pm followed by dinner and show at 6pm. Tickets are $75. The night is hosted by former emperor George Rey, who is a very good show announcer when he isn't begging for money or fawning over cooks at Channel 9. Empress Jack E. of Reno is co-host. The night offers "command performances" by The VisQueens, Filipiniana Dance Co, Miss Gay Seattle XXII Miss Smokee, Arnaldo! Drag Chanteuse, and many more.

This whole affair is the big deal of the year for the "Imperial Sovereign Court of Seattle and the Olympic and Rainier Empire", aka ISCSORE and includes far more than just the coronation ball. The annual affair kicks this weekend with voting day starting at 11am on Sunday followed by a show and in-town awards Sunday evening at Neighbours, 6pm ($15).

Folks from other courts far and wide travel to these affairs, so there will not only be a large number of fabulously dressed "dignitaries" at the ball, but there will also be shows during the week leading up to the big night.

The courts of Denver and Salt Lake City will present a show for Seattleites on Thursday, February 15 at Sugar (see map) at 6pm. Pay only $7 at the door. Another out-of-town show will be presented on Friday at Neighbours and also at 6pm. Cover is $15. That show will be followed by a "Las Vegas Dam Water Party" at The Cuff (see map) starting at 11pm.

On Sunday following the coronation, you'll have a chance to congratulate the winners at an 11am Victory Brunch at the host hotel, the Best Western, 200 Taylor Ave [get directions] ($25). At 3pm the newly crowned Empress and Emperor will preside at the "Alaska Bird Water Party" at C.C.Attle's (see map) .

Advance tickets for any of the shows can be purchased online.

This ball includes not only the crowning of new Seattle royalty, but also the crowning of Empress Nicole The Great as Queen Mother of the Americas. She succeeds Empress I Jose, founder of the international court system and, until that night, titular head of International Court of Council of USA, Canada and Mexico, which will be holding its annual meeting in Seattle on Saturday.