Q: What was your first gay bar experience like?
A: I remember the very first time I went to a Gay Bar, it was called Boots & Saddle on 106th. street in Edmonton. I was with a friend who was 19 and I was 15! I didn’t know places like this existed, I hoped they did and so when he suggested we go I was thrilled, excited, nervous and petrified! I honestly didn’t know what to expect and the feelings and emotions were electric. We arrived around 2 in the afternoon and the front door which you needed to be “buzzed in” was propped open so there was no one checking ID’s. We went up to the bar and I asked for a coke in a small rocks glass and my friend got a bottle of beer. there were about 15 or so guys spread out around the room and a pool table at the back. The bartender was very effeminate and balding wearing a silk matching outfit that looked like something I Dream of Genie would wear in Lavender. Everyone called him Deidre even though after that his actual given name was Ken. The bar was long and thin and the room had stucco walls and wagon wheels throughout. There was a saddle placed on one of the railings separating the bar from the seating area so we sat there. I was so nervous and worried that I would do or say something wrong and we would be kicked out so I went to the bathroom quickly to have a pee and when I returned there were 7 Black Russian drinks on the table! My friend laughed and said to me; well. you are young, blond, thin and blue eyed what did you expect!? I was so freaked out by the attention (I was painfully shy) I took my straw out of my coke and had a sip out of all 7 drinks and then told my friend we had to go! and that was my introduction to the gay bars. Still to this day I drink my drinks in a small rocks glass.
Q: How did your life pre EVO prepare you for this?
A: I have worked and/or been around Edmonton’s gay bars for over 40 years. In those “training” years I learned many things that of course would come into use being a part of the “Evo Crew” from sound, DJ’ing, Blocking, lighting, Theater direction, choreography, Graphics, poster design, Theme building, show promoting, suggestive selling, blah blah blah, the list goes on! 
not all of my talents are recognized or utilized but I know what I know and I’m just not Pushy about it. so every day can be something new.
Q: What are three of your most special EVO memories?
I always say I’m Proud all year long but, Pride Events and Pride itself are always special to me. Let’s put it this way, There is an 18th. birthday EVERY DAY, and someone who is unsure or nervous or excited will want to come to the Gay Bar and we will always try to make them feel welcome and Invited like we were just waiting for them to arrive! The Stiletto Awards. in it’s infantcy (sp) it was pretty simple, nominate the memorable and acknowledge them. later, it became obvious that there needed to be more categories as our community and diversity was growing and changing! Kings! Trans! Non Binary! Asexual! Allies! Supporters! It has become one of our biggest Edmonton Community Events to include more than just those at Evo but, those who inhabit and thrive in the City as a whole! and of course the next Evo representitives
Q: Shout out a former staff member you miss, and why
In My time at Evo there have been many characters and personalities that have graced the Evo Staff List, I have a shout-out to 3 of my favorites Bobby C (Creative, Moody, and just a little Mad Dahling.) Mindy W (Cool, Kind, and a Punk Ass Bitch!) Liam H (Shady AF. Charity Case.)
Q: What has your time at EVO taught you?
A: 10 years goes by so fast! it has taught me that we are all still constantly Evo-lving! you can learn something new every day and it doesn’t cost a thing to be nice to new friends.
Q: What is your favorite regular event and why
A: Favorite regular event? Glow Parties! cause I can’t see anything.
Q: What advice do you give to the next generation of queer nightlife goers?
A: Advice for the next gen of queer nightlife goers? Wash your hands after you pee. Throw your gum and papertowels in the garbage and Tip your servers. 
seriously? Live your best life, be respectful, Dance, Party, Live and be who you are!
Q: Shout out 2-3 current performers you love and say why
A: 1. Lilith Fair for being an “Actress” and a “Star”. 2. Voula Callas for understanding and acknowledging the Art of Female impersonation at such a young age and completely “nailing it”. 3. There are Soooooooo many Talented people in Edmonton it is almost Impossible to bring it down to 3 but if I have to, I’ll say….. You Know who you Are.
