Collage of drag performers in colorful makeup and costumes, with a central star featuring a close-up. Text on the right says "Galveston Original Show Bar, Robert's.

Late Summer 2018 in Galveston: A whole lot of drag and comedy going on


ByForest Riggs

Hot July is about gone and hotter August is upon us. 

Originally name Sextilis by Romulus in 753 B.C., the month of August was eventually was renamed by Julius Caesar in honor of Augustus whom he admired. Regardless of where, where, when, why and how, it is a hot mess! Personally I prefer the original Sextilis; any month starting with “sex†has got be hot time! 

The eighth months rolls onto the slate bringing with it tremendous, potential storms and lots of LGBTQ activities on the Island in the clubs. Generally speaking, Island life slows down quite a bit during late July and August. For most, the heat has made even beach trips almost uncomfortable, though many still flock to the sandy shores. If traffic is any indicator, things are still buzzing along in Galveston. Avoiding the hot days and cruel sun can be a real party pooper for some island resident and visitors, but all is not lost. At night, when the temps drop a bit and the winds are loaded with oleander, night blooming jasmine and other exotic scents, the sleepy (hung-over) Island comes to life. 

Anyone who visits Galveston knows there is always something going on. From the Saturday evening Art Walks, life outdoor music, movies, band concert and Sunday night fireworks at 37th street, to crowded bars, clubs and restaurants, Island life stirs after dark! In Galveston, nothing says pleasure like strolling around the Strand area, stopping for a cool libation and a fabulous dinner at any of the fine restaurants dotting the downtown area. Many of the clubs and restaurants offer live music during the summer evenings and do their best to welcome locals and visitors alike. Check it out.

The LGBTQ scene comes alive at night. There are a few beach parties in the daylight hours but the heat causes second thoughts about daytime activities. The locals believe it is better to “rest up†during the day and tear it up after dark! It is a well known fact the Island night life has a little something to offer everyone, depending on tastes and ideas of a good time. The club scene certainly does not cease because of the intense heat.

Robert’s Lafitte, 23rd Street Station Piano Bar and Rumors Beach Bar still offer the very best in LGBTQ activities and entertainment. With room for all, each club brings a unique “signature†style and offerings to the community. As August approaches and July winds down, club wise, the party continues. 

The fun continues at Robert’s Lafitte (2501 Avenue Q) with its annual Christmas in July (July 5–28), raising money for the Island’s tremendous LGBTQ support and service center, ACCT (Access Care of Coastal Texas). The Ladies of Laffite continue to dazzle the crowds with fantastic drag shows, starting on Fridays and continuing through the weekend. The finale is July 28 and raffle winners will be announced. Get your tickets because everyone knows this club lays out some great prizes! Lafitte’s is the island’s oldest show bar and there is never a cover. The drinks are great, the patio like a movie set and the pool is always inviting.

Over at Rumors Beach Bar (3102 Seawall Boulevard), Todd Slaughter and the gang are always looking to bring new talent (new to the Island, that is) to the Galveston venue. Todd and superstar Dessie Love Blake scour the LGBTQ entertainment world to find and invite the very top performers in the industry. Bringing July to a close, on the 27 and 28 (show times 9 p.m. and 11:55 p.m.), the fabulous Suzy Wong, former Miss Gay America and Top Chef star, takes over the stage and dazzle the crowd with her solo show. Suzy is beautiful, talented and a tremendous entertainer. On August 10 and 11, the show bar hosts Dee Ranged, a comedian extraordinaire. You don’t want to miss this special entertainer who brings fun and wit to the stage. Of course, kicking off August 3 at 9 p.m., is Island Diva Misty Valdez and the continuation of her 27th Annual Tour raising money for charity. Over the years, Misty has raised thousands of dollars for various charities and ACCT. Like Misty herself, the show titled Ladies Sing the Blues has become an Island institution; with the legendary Kofi emceeing the event, it is sure to be a show to remember. 

Finally on the club scene, 23rd Street Station Piano Bar continue to draw quite a following with the addition of great piano music, new ambiance and a patio to die for. Friday nights, starting at 6 p.m.,  the oh-so-talented pianist Kirk Hale tickles the ivories and brings his eclectic style of music to the crowd. Each night at the club, Tom and Todd offer something different, from the piano music, Jim Greaser’s Tubular Tuesdays, Ladies’ Night, LGBTQ related movies and much more. If you need a good laugh, you’ll love their offering of Lafftown’s Funniest Contest. Stand-up comic Steve Padilla brings the event to the club each Sunday night starting at 6 p.m. The contest vets several young and funny comics against each other in an elimination type affair. Each week the audience and judges vote and the winner gets $50.00. Winners advance to the final show on September 2  with a final $500 prize. If you want cool drinks, a great neighborhood feeling and some giggles, check it out. 

So although Sextilis is mighty hot in Galveston, there are a lot of cool activities to keep the locals and visitors in good spirits. Make plans to visit Galveston soon and check out these and other happenings. As always, be safe and, most of all, have some fun!

Forest Riggs, a resident of Galveston, is no stranger to the adventures of life. A former educator and business owner, he enjoys Island life and all that comes with it. He says he is a “raconteur with a Quixotic, gypsy spirit.†He has written for several newspapers and magazines as well as other writing pursuits, including a novel and collection of short stories.

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