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PAGE 16 HIGH GEAR

April 13 at Dimensions: Miss D's group

GEAR Foundation benefit

by G. Leach

Miss D. and Her Lavender Ladies & Gents is not just another drag group. but the height of fun, laughter, and life The group was formed ten years ago to support the efforts and aims of the gay community. They have performed at more than 200 benefits raising over $100 000 for gay and straight charities such as St Jude Society. MS Foundation various churches. and Legal Aid custody suites

The group's ten year history covers the area from Toronto to California to Tampa Fla, where they have done shows for M C C and the Dade County referendum Any rumors that the group was responsible for the crus blight are entirely faliacious'

When asked where she got her start Miss D, the founder and mainstay of the group, said she was appearing on stage since shortly after the Great Flood She fondly remembers Noah as a "fun-loving sort of guy" However for reasons she won't discuss. Noah insisted on keeping her at arms length from the flamingos. ostriches and birds of paradise

•Miss D performs as much as possible as a stand-up comedienne rather than strictly as a mimic Most of her routine is improvised She uses very few set pieces nstead relying on her ability to read the audience and respond to it

She has chosen to create a group that usually cons sts of 6

to 10 performers, including both drags and male dancers. Över a period of time, this group has learned to perform as an ensemble, where members are able to rely on each other.

Miss D insists she is not the "star" of the show, just the "head bitch" During the show, each performer has a chance to be highlighted

The group does a completely new show for each tour Average rehearsal time for each show is 16 hours per week for 6 to 8 weeks The music is taped in one 10-hour session. This schedule is especially strenuous since the performers also hold regular 9 to 5 jobs

Miss D and friend

The cost of the gowns runs from $100 to $500, with the same gowns rarely being used twice. Miss D commented, "In compar ison, leather drag is dirt cheap and chains last a lot longer than glitter sequins, and feathers"

Fourth annual Miss JJ's contest

By Bill Gerard

The Fourth Annual Miss J. s Contest was held on March 23 at JJS 2402 Club on St Clair Ave

An enthus as crowd of fars and wel w shers watched six contestants compete for the title 1 Miss JJs of 1980 Miss udelle Knight emcoed the conest with the assistance of Miss JJ (1979 Miss Nikki

Summers wh Se open ng number The Way We Were se: the theme of the evening

vying for the coveted title of Miss JJS were Dan Rogers Kate A exaner Jamie Withers Miss D Marce la Wison and Nooil Page

Judging this year's contest were Treva who a so did the stage setting) Mister Henry Jo

Ann Scott Kenny Travis and Nancy from GodMothers

Contestants were,udged in the categories of Casual Wear Talent Evening Gowns, and final Questions

Sensational performances by Miss Knight, Miss Summers Big Mama Nikki Dee Ree and spe-

al guest Melissa Ross were given at the end of each catego rie The audience lavished applause on these exciting per formers while anxiously awaiting the apperance of their favorite, contestant in the next competition

Also interpersed throughout the evening were the Miss T. Awards given to employces and fr ends of JJs for their valuable support and service

Following the competition Miss Summers took her last walk

as Miss JJ's of 1979 All contestants then returned to the

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stage for the judges final decision

Special awards were given to Marcella Wilson for winning the talent competition, and to Jamie Withers voted Miss Congeniality by her fellow contestants

Second Runner-up was Miss D First Runner-up was Jamie Withers and the winner of the

The audience stood and cheered wildly as Miss Alexander With a bouquet of red roses in her was crowned by Miss Summers arms and tears streaming down her cheeks, Miss Alexander took her first walk as Miss JJ s of 1980 She was greeted warmly by her many friends and supporters who wished her well in the year to

come

The majority of the group has been together for 5 years. This continuity has led to shows which, performance after performance, are becoming more professional, extravagant, flamboyant, and outrageous.

KAI 1 MS

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Miss D

Babe

Bran • presented

Hard Worker

Jamie Withers

4 the