Op-ed: Big Gay Events Celebrates First Year Anniversary with Energetic Drag Show

Philip Smith and Alex Ralph, co-owners of Big Gay Events (BGE), returned to Manchester on July 21st for their first anniversary show at the Hop Knot on Elm Street. The show was similar to that from June 30th, in which the group said goodbye to this year’s Pride Month. It was a Sunday brunch event in which alcohol was available as early as ten in the morning, along with the Hop Knot’s usual assortment of creative pretzel dishes.

Performing were BGE’s Director of Events Pancake, Show Director Sasha Stone, Raya Sunshine, Luke Laroe, and Zon Legacy Phoenix, the event’s host. Among these performers, only Pancake was present for the Farewell Pride event. While such events receive limited advertising, such as the Hop Knot website or posts on social media, people nevertheless continue to show up early and often.

At Sunday’s event, a bachelorette party came, each wearing a sash with a humorous message such as, “Designated Drunk,” or “the Flirt.” In addition, Kenny Frasch, owner of the Hop Knot, was there with a his usual large smile serving drinks and food.

A highlight of the show as Phoenix’s dynamic performance in which she performed a variety of unique dance moves, gave a lap dance to the bride, and elicited loud cheers from the audience in attendance. At one point, passers by stopped to see what was going on inside. Phoenix took off her jacket while a loud, thumping dance song played.

“It was fantastic,” Phoenix said. “I love hosting, and this is one of the organizations I love performing and working with. It’s always a fun experience. It’s always a welcoming experience. Overall, just a good time.”

Zon, making her third appearance in Manchester, was a first-time host. She showed no sign of nervousness or anxiety.

“It was a great experience, I love talking on the mic,” Phoenix said. “I love getting people excited, riled up for the show. I want to make people feel like they want to come again. As a black transwoman, it’s also important for me to also have spotlight and to be on the front-front, to show people that we professional. Drag is for anybody and everybody.”

“Today’s our one-year celebration,” Smith said. “We’re celebrating- quite literally- the last year, 35 events that we’ve done and all the hard work that has gone into most of these events, especially with the queens and their strong dedication to the shows.”

“We really built a great community here in Manchester,” Pancake said. “This is just us almost being able to pay people back for supporting us. And also celebrating with our community. It’s a lot of fun. We get to do what we love, and everyone gets to enjoy it. I had a great time. I love Hop Knot. I love brunch. I love doing drag.”

“The vibes were amazing,” Smith said. “The crowd was great. The performers really gave it their all today, which is no different than any other show. Today, it has a different feel. It has a much more positive vibe to it. It was a really good show.”

“We built a family,” Pancake said. “It’s just us getting to be together and enjoy together.”

Big Gay Events, which does more than just drag shows, has events planned for the remainder of the year, until New Year’s Eve on December 31st. Among these is Miss Gay Granite State, a fundraiser in November for Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, events in October for Halloween, helping out with weddings, event decorations, and brunch events for the rest of the year.