Joey Arias, the famous New York City performance artist, cabaret singer and drag performer, will perform on Feb. 28 at the Urban Lounge show "Lightning Strikes," which was written by his friend Klaus Nomi, who died of AIDS in 1983.
The show is intended to raise awareness of sexuality and gender equality — which is being discussed on Utah’s Capitol Hill during this legislative session.
"So many of New York’s best LGTB performers have said ‘no’ to performing in Salt Lake City," says Michael Sanders, local business owner and LGBT activist, in a press release. "We are lucky to have Joey Arias come and perform. We’d love to see a big show of support to prove that our city has grown up and is ready for the sophisticated cabaret entertainment that is a mainstay in hippest nightspots in Europe, New York and L.A."
Arias began his career in the 1970s in the downtown New York City nightclub scene and went on to sing back-up for David Bowie along with Klaus Nomi.
Kristian Hoffman, who wrote most of Klaus Nomi’s material in the 1980’s, will accompany Arias in their first collaboration in almost 30 years in "Lightning Strikes."
Arias is known for his interpretations of Billie Holliday jazz classics and co-wrote and played the lead role in Cirque du Soleil's "Zumanity."
"Having Joey in our city is as electrifying as being struck by lightning," says Princess Kennedy, GLBT activist and event organizer, in a press release. "We hope that his presence will help bring awareness to discrimination that members of the gay community experience."
Doors open at 8 p.m. General admission costs $10 in advance and $15 at the door. VIP and advance tickets are available at www.24tix.com.
