On June 7th, the basement of Back To The Grind in Downtown Riverside was transformed into a stunning cabaret-inspired venue for the latest edition of Club Vamp. This show fully embraces the glamour and intimacy of cabaret while blending it with the bold energy of the drag scene that thrives in Riverside’s local community. The space was completely rearranged, creating an immersive environment with tables and mood lighting that made the night feel like something entirely unique and special for those in attendance.
Adrian Taylor
Hosted by Bruno Vamp, Club Vamp: Cabaret featured a stacked lineup of performers including Nikki Nowhere, Freddie Vamp Deadd, PIXXIE, Scarlette Fever, Josefa Kurwa, Toxique Waste, MizzBee Hiven, Gash, and Circé Solani along with DJ Ahsatan (Natasha Backwards), who kept the music flowing all night.
Adrian Taylor
The show opened with the lights dimming and a projection casting across the room as Bruno welcomed everyone to the "end of the world" and invited the audience to enjoy the night’s show. From the start, the night had a clear vision, combining elements of alternative, cabaret, and drag into one unforgettable experience. The performances were slow paced with slow cabaret music being played to accompany them.
Adrian Taylor
Adrian Taylor
Halfway through the show, the night shifted into an interactive experience as performers stepped away from the stage and began serving charcuterie platters directly to the audience, bringing plates of cheeses, crackers, and fruits to each table. Alongside the platters were chocolate raspberry cupcakes catered by Maxelle Meyers, adding an elegant touch to the night. Having drag queens personally serve the tables elevated the entire experience, making the audience feel like the special guests that they are.
Adrian Taylor
Then came the moment that stunned the entire room. It was announced that a surprise special performer was going to take the stage next. After being absent from the stage for some time, the iconic AldaVonCunt made a surprise return, emerging through the curtain to a wave of cheers. Their absence was definitely felt in the local scene and seeing them reclaim the stage was absolutely phenomenal.
Adrian Taylor
As the night neared its end, Bruno slowed things down with a heartfelt message to the audience, speaking on the current political climate and how Club Vamp continues to stand as a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community in Riverside. The moment served as a reminder of the importance and power of these events, not just as entertainment, but as a place for the community to come together.
Adrian Taylor
The evening wrapped up with one final projection on the wall, officially closing out the night and announcing the next Club Vamp event, which will return on July 26th with a Rocky Horror Picture Show theme at Back To The Grind.
Club Vamp continues to stand as a true example of what makes Riverside’s drag scene so special. It is a collective of artists, performers, and community members all coming together to create unforgettable nights filled with passion, creativity, and love for their scene.
Adrian Taylor
View all the photos from the night on our Flickr page!
