RuPaul Drag Racers werq it in Gary, Indiana

Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana celebrated all things drag on August 12, 2022, by booking the Werq the World tour. The tour, created by Brandon Voss, in collaboration with VH1 and World of Wonder, features past RuPaul Drag Race contestants who hit the road to perform for their loyal fanbase. 

Did those fans show up? You can bet your bottom dollar they did! The place sold out with an almost 2,000-person capacity that packed the theater in the heart of the Hard Rock. A diverse group of people from surrounding areas paid top dollar to see their favorite queen live and even meet them before the show at an exclusive meet and greet for the right price. 

Drag enthusiasts could also purchase merchandise in the lobby that ranged from clackety clack fans to autographed posters. Patrons had to be over 21 years old and pass security checks at the front. The concession stands provided a well-staffed and friendly group of bartenders who offered beverage and food service. 

After a lengthy musical montage, the show was finally ready to begin and was hosted by the 12th season winner of Drag Race Jaida Essence Hall. Hall kept things upbeat throughout the evening with friendly banter between her and the other queens. Sometimes catty and other times raspy from so much chatter, this recent RuPaul Drag Race All-Star had many inside jokes for those that watch the iconic television series.  

The set was enormous and was possibly inspired by the musical Wicked or Lady Gaga's Monster Ball Tour. A time travel theme was the concept for this tour which left plenty of room for costume changes and music choices. The backup dancers werqed hard to keep up with the choreography tailored to each drag queen's segment. 

Many other drag illusionists popped out of the time machine to accompany Hall and their various styles were a sight to see. Kameron Michaels competed on the 10th season of Drag Race and was known for having tattoos and bodybuilding. Michaels was a lip sync assassin on the show until the finale when she lost to Aquaria. Subtle jokes were made about this between Hall and Michaels before a battle with the audience members for a prize was held. Involving the fans for this test of abilities to songs from Pink and Spice Girls had the room gagging!

The 14th season competitor Jorgeous showed the more seasoned queens what the new generation has to offer with a well-edited medley of music and smooth dance moves. 

Angeria Paris VanMichaels was another from the newer group having been on RuPaul's same cycle as Jorgeous. She stuck to disco tunes molded together that fittingly finished with Donna Summer's "Last Dance." 

Voss Events has crafted a strong traveling act full of fun and impressive performances with Werq the World's current incarnation. The tour struts up to Canada next so visit VossEvents.com for the latest lineup and dates on the schedule.  

Prance over to HardRockCasinoNorthernIndiana.com for more information on special promotions and upcoming live performances. The diverse crowd who attended Werq the World that night showed that programming for the LGBTQ+ community is valuable for this venue and should be continued in the future!