Somewhere nestled on a barrier island, in between insanity and paradise in the microcosm of eternal sunsets, a voice of many flavors and colors rang out, and the Ice Palace suddenly came alive with one of the most vibrant, talented, creative and original divas ever to walk the planet: Porsche.
Porsche, aka Brant Kaiwi, is celebrating her 13th season at the world-famous Ice Palace in Cherry Grove, whose stage has been visited by Liza Minnelli, Carol Channing, Alan Cumming and many others. Porsche is known globally for her flawless impersonations of everyone from Janis Joplin to Cher to Billie Holiday, and everyone in between. She has co-starred on the “Wanda Sykes Show” as the first drag queen ever to be a comical sidekick. Known as the Queen of Key West and often welcomed internationally, she performs every song under the sun in her own voice, accompanied by trusted and magical DJ Chuck McTague.
Applauding her opening number were audience celebrities Logan Hardcore and Brenda Dharling, Ice Palace and New York City drag royalty, who do the pool party every Saturday at 3 p.m. Also spotted in the crowd were celebrity photographer Billy Hess; renowned hair and makeup designer Mark De Alwis; Texas queen Ruby Dickulous; Fire Island icons Viva Sexx and Nikki Starr; U.K. recording artist and James Bond of the music world, Sam Stevens; and Mike Todd, publisher of Get Out! magazine.
We all watched in awe as Porsche did a number from the Broadway hit Chicago as Cher, Judy Garland, Eartha Kitt, Janis Joplin and Whitney Houston. That was followed by appearances from Billie Holiday and a host of others whom the sold-out, packed crowd randomly called forth. Porsche then decided to call a bride-to-be and her wedding party up to the stage for a wedding rehearsal and reception. She had the unsuspecting bride and party dance about the room and then treated the groom-less bride to her wedding preview.
The first guest was comedian queen Ruby Dickulous, straight from Austin, followed by superstar Sam Stevens performing a David Bowie cover, “Let’s Dance.” The suave English singer, the illegitimate love child of James Bond and David Bowie, has been touring New York and the U.K. and has just released his newest single, “Tonight,” on iTunes.
The wedding ended with a special guest, none other than Cher, with a medley of hits (performed by drag queen Nikki Starr). By the end of the two-hour show, which seemed to pass in moments, the entire audience was dancing on stage along with Porsche. The show closed with a number from former Miss Fire Island Viva Sexx.
Porsche’s show was followed by the famous Spunk Party with host Honey Davenport. Oozing with sexy men and dance music, this party will be happening all season at the Ice Palace every Saturday night through September 2 with Daniel and Louis, the creators.
You can see Porsche at the Ice Palace every Sunday, Tuesday and Saturday at 8 p.m. at the Ice Palace. Her shows are all different, all engaging, addicting and fun. She’s a fiery talent, the best of her entertainment style, and an addicting force of nature.
Want to check out this great day of events? Hop on the Sayville Ferry, which departs hourly throughout the day. Return on the 11:30 p.m. or 1 a.m. ferry back to the mainland, or grab a room at the all-new Grove Hotel, which is celebrating its grand opening.
Logan Hardcore & Brenda Dharling’s Famous Pool Show, 3 p.m.
The Porsche Show, 8 p.m.
Spunk 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.
Insider tip: While you’re in the hood, visit the famous Grove Pizza. Slices start at $4.
