Michigan Drag Brunch is bringing "Sunday Fundays" back to West Michigan this May, with performances in Grand Rapids, Grand Haven and Lansing.
The group had to cancel several events in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and Owner and Show Producer, Trevor Straub, said the team is ready to get back on the performance scene.
"It’s just something that we’re so passionate about, and it feels so good to be back up and going," Straub said.
Michigan Drag Brunch's return to the West Michigan stage comes on Sunday, May 9, and a flood of community members have welcomed the group back with open arms. Straub said the show sold out within the first day tickets went on sale.
“That gives me great hope that people are still behind us. They miss us, they love us and they can’t wait to brunch with us again," he said.
Performances will look different during the pandemic. All shows will be outdoors, and queens will wear masks when they perform. Tickets will be sold by table to ensure social distancing among groups, and there will be tip buckets placed on tables to prevent direct contact with performers. Straub said in addition, guests will also have to follow standard COVID-19 safety procedures, such as temperature checks as they enter the area.
Other upcoming shows include May 16th at Long Road Distillers in Grand Haven and May 23rd at Lansing Brewing Company. Tickets include admission to the performance, a meal and a welcome drink at the venue.
"Drag Brunch – the beauty of it is it is so unpredictable and unscripted that you truly never know what’s going to happen," Straub said, "“It's a comedy show, a drag show of fine art, truly."
Straub and the Michigan Drag Brunch performers kept hope during the pandemic that they could pick back up where they left off. The group launched in 2018, quickly finding success in West Michigan and later branching out to performances across the state.
During the pandemic, performers have held virtual events and braved the cold to perform at the Grand Rapids World of Winter festivities. With restaurant restrictions lightening up, Straub has been able to work with venues like New Holland Brewing Company to schedule shows, something he calls a much needed opportunity for his performers after a long hiatus due to COVID-19 safety restrictions.
"The arts as a whole took a big hit. It’s not just inclusive to just drag. It’s been the theatres, the bands, the live entertainment. The whole industry has just suffered," he said, "...As for everyone else it just kind of was pulled out from under us."
As they make their return to Michigan venues, Straub said he's excited to gain more funds to support AYA Youth Collective, a local drop-in center for youth in the West Michigan community. Michigan Drag Brunch has maintained a supportive partnership with the group, formerly HQ and 3:11 Housing, since its early beginnings. Straub said as the Michigan Drag Brunch can get "back on our feet," it will "definitely" be continuing its support towards AYA Youth Collective.
