Harmonica Sunbeam – Coordinator of North Jersey’s Drag Queen Story Hour

Harmonica Sunbeam is one of the most popular queens in Jersey nightlife. Constantly busy and in demand, she took some time out of her schedule to check in with Get Out!

SHE is the hostess of Hoboken and Jersey City pride, works two nights at JErsey City’s newest gay bar Royal, and she can also be found at schools, libraries and festivals teaching kids love and acceptance through Drag Queen Story Hour.

I understand you’re appearing in a recently opened bar in New Jersey. Tell us about your nights there.
I am currently hosting two nights a week. I host Drag Bingo Brunch on Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m., and on Tuesdays I host Royal Rivalry (a drag competition) at 10 p.m. So if any performers are out there and ready to shine, hit me up!

What is the name of the bar, and what does it offer?
The name of the bar is Royal, and it’s open seven days a week. Right now, besides my two nights, there’s karaoke on Wednesdays from 8-11 with Kia Karr. Saturday nights there is music by DJ Brian Richards from 10 to 2 a.m. Very soon we will incorporate a Latin night and some other fun weekly events. Besides shows and liquor, we also have a very tasty menu in case one gets hungry. The bar has a welcoming neighborhood feel, and it’s home to everyone.

What makes the nights that you are there special?
My nights are special because I always have the audience wondering what I will do next. I try to make the audience as much of the show as I can, which makes for some funny, spontaneous moments.

Aside from that, what have you been up to?
I’m extremely busy as the North Jersey coordinator for Drag Queen Story Hour, and this summer has been awesome working with libraries, festivals, schools and bookstores. I’m so happy this program is taking New Jersey by storm.

Are there any new projects that you’ve been or are going to be involved in?
I live in Hudson County, and August is our Pride month. I’ll be hosting Hoboken Pride Saturday, August 11, as well as Jersey City Pride, Saturday, August 25. There are so many Pride-related events that I’m involved with in my area for August that a vacation will be in order for early September.

How would you say nightlife has changed in the past five years?
Nightlife has changed dramatically in the past five years, and now it takes all the employees at an establishment to join in on the promotions. Social media has made promotion easily accessible, but we all have to do our part to bring people in or else we all lose out.