Dolly still looks fabu in her 60s...
Originally printed in Just Out:
Dolly Parton may not be an out queer herself (though, believe me, the rumors swirl like an overactive hot tub about Parton and longtime pal Judy Ogle), but she’s always been a champion of gay, lesbian, bi and trans causes.In a musical genre so often dominated by gun-toting good ole boys, the buxom beauty is fearless; she’s even received hate mail and threats for her status as a gay icon. What better way to honor her than to recruit some of Portland’s finest musicians while raising money for a diverse celebration of women in music, Siren Nation. The Dolly Parton Hoot Night cover extravaganza takes place at the Mission Theater (1624 NW Glisan) Saturday, June 6.
To make the Hoot truly sing, Celeste Towers – the “Towering Inferno” of Darcelle XV – plays host for this year’s event. Though better known for her uncanny impersonation of another female country star, Wynonna Judd, the Towering Inferno will most certainly inject camp country drag fit for dame Dolly, along with queering her image even further.
The performance lineup is equally impressive. Jen Bernard and Lara Michel (of The Stolen Sweets) will join Susie Blue, Jessica Stiles, Jenny Hoyston, Erin Chambers, Sallie Ford and the Sound Outside, Jean McGowan, Lisa and Her Kin and Rachel Robinson.
The SN crew is particularly excited about former Erase Eratta member Hoyston, a recent Portland transplant. Schooled in punk rock, Hoyston will flesh out an already broad catalog to give it a truly riot grrl vibe.
Parton would be proud.
Hoot Night takes place Sat., June 6, 8 p.m., at the Mission Theater, 1624 NW Glisan St., $12 advance, $15 door, sirennation.com.
