Grizzly Kiki began in April 2014 as a pop culture and drag-centric podcast hosted by Robert Lechuga & Daniel Silva. We launched with recaps of RuPaul’s Drag Race and other reality programming. Shortly after releasing the first few episodes, we narrowed our focus to create a podcast that was unique in concept and would serve a community near and dear to us: DRAG QUEENS!!!!!!!!!!!!! The podcast is equal parts oral history and good old-fashioned kiki. We found that there were few platforms where Drag and Nightlife Artists could talk about their art and themselves in an open and honest way. Most of what is known about these artists comes from videos posted on the Internet or what they experience in bars and clubs. It was clear that there were stories to be told and shared with the world. Our mission is to create a comfortable and safe environment, where these artists can share their histories and experiences. Ours is a podcast that is meant to serve the drag and nightlife community by capturing the artists’ voices and making them available to the public. Grizzly Kiki is a program for drag enthusiasts, Drag Artists, and everyone in between. Listen and Join the Party!!
https://www.grizzlykiki.com/
Pickles
Pickles is the creation of photographer Michael Wakefield. A native of Michigan, Michael moved to New York in the mid-1980's and immediately immersed himself in the nightlife scene. He frequented venues such as the Pyramid Club and Palladium, toting along his camera at all times. Provided with subjects who were anything but shy, Michael was able to create a time capsule of the era via photography. In 1993, Michael began "It's a Wonderful Life?," a public access tv show that ran for nine years until 2001. During this time, he documented the downtown nightlife scene. Some of the most compelling footage is that of Wigstock and rare glimpses into the lives of Lady Bunny, Mistress Formika, Jackie Beat, Candis Cayne, & many others. After years of living on VHS, the footage is now being revived through the weekly webseries, "Throwback Thursdays with Pickles," on Sherry Vine's YouTube channel. Michael created Pickles over a period time, bringing her out for competitions at nudist retreats and private sex parties. Unlike Michael, who can be quiet and reserved, Pickles is a loud & eccentric lady. Her stark white beehive, red lips, and high-pitched voice are reminiscent of Carol Channing. She is witty, ditzy, irreverent, & above all, positive! Join us as Michael provides a journey through New York City nightlife history, and an introduction to Pickles!