Brunch, laughter, and vibrant performances collided downtown Sunday, Nov. 16, at Grounded Café. Held in the café’s courtyard, a Draglesque Brunch blended drag and a high-energy afternoon show. Doors opened at noon, for guests to enjoy a special brunch menu and drinks before the performances kicked off at 1 p.m.
The show was hosted by Dr. Lucky, a drag and burlesque performer originally from New York. Throughout the event, Dr. Lucky encouraged audience participation, inviting attendees to make new friends and engage with the show.
“It is twelve on a Sunday afternoon, but we’re here, and we are not going anywhere, trust me, I got in full drag at seven a.m.,” Dr. Lucky said. “So, let’s have some fun! Grab a mimosa, warm up those tipping fingers, and get ready.”
The lineup of performers brought a mix of local talent and national recognition. Each performer performed two 2 songs. Khatoica, a drag performer based in El Paso, opened the show with a number that set a comedic tone for the rest of the event with an upbeat routine.
“Drag has allowed me to express more of my femininity,” Khaotica said. “It allows me to feel more of my love for myself, when I couldn’t feel it from anyone else. When a star shines that bright, you can’t shake that in chains.”
Lavish Lyra, an Albuquerque-based performer who is a reigning queen at Touch Bar El Paso, followed with a dance number that further echoed the talent of these performers.
“I love performing because, to me, it’s like medicine to cleanse and content my mind, ” Lyra said. ” I feel like I’m expressing things I can’t with words.”
General Admission tickets were $10, while VIP tickets that offered reserved seating and a complimentary glass of champagne were priced at $25. Grounded promoted the event as a community-focused “Sunday Funday,” emphasizing the importance of bringing creative and inclusive gatherings to Las Cruces.
Additional performers included Juni Beurre Ami, a drag performer from Albuquerque, as well as Jordan Mathews, known as the “King of Las Cruces.” Mathews has been performing for 15 years plus, and is a former Mr. Gay USA third-place winner, as well as having his makeup featured in RuPaul’s Drag Race. Matthew performed a remix of Dead or Alive’s “You Spin Me Round,” where they energetically danced and interacted through the crowd.
“I love the excitement of the crowd,” Mathews said. “Drag is a full fantasy, and individuality is something that should be celebrated.”
In a time when discrimination continues to affect LGBTQ+ communities, public and joyful spaces like drag brunches play an important role. These events remind attendees that inclusion and creativity are, and should be, thriving in places like Las Cruces.
“Don’t be afraid to stand up for what you believe is right,” performer Khaotica added. “Especially in today’s political climate. A lot of people have become comfortable with profiling and discriminating. We’re already striving, but now it solely feels like we’re going back to where we started, and we’re at a place where we’re surviving. And that’s because they’re trying to induce fear; the only thing stronger than fear is hope. Any of the strength that you have, give it to other people.”
To close the show, Dr. Lucky highlighted upcoming drag events in the community, including a live show at Touch Bar featuring Manila Luzon, on Dec. 6 and 7, and a local All Stars competition on Dec. 12. Lucky also gave a shoutout to the Las Cruces Rio Grande Theater their fellow LGBTQ+ member, Penelope Pearl, commonly performs.
A Feature of “Dr. Lucky’s Blue Review” show will be Feb.13 and 14, and is described by fellow performers as something that you won’t want to miss.
The Draglesque Brunch demonstrated the growing support for diverse art and LGBTQ+ expression in Las Cruces. It offered an afternoon of vibrant performances, recognition, and celebration.
“I’ve been to drag shows all over the state, but there’s something special about seeing one right here in Las Cruces, the sunshine and the community—it’s honestly so much fun, and I can’t wait for the next one,” local attendee Amy Alvarez said.
