After a memorable show at last November’s Jade Music Fest, a troupe of Chinese-speaking local drag artists are reuniting for Lunar New Year. Wan-Ting Moi (Cale Tian), a singer and dancer with a love for gorgeous gowns, will host Year of Wild Horse: A C-Pop Drag Extravaganza at 7 p.m. at Performance Works on Saturday (February 28).
The presenter, LunarFest Vancouver, promises “a night as free and wild as a galloping horse—breaking generational and cultural boundaries” at the Granville Island venue.
In addition to Wan-Ting Moi, performers include returning drag queens Flaming Wok, Bibi Souphresh, Valak D’Mon, and Vee For Victoria, along with drag king Yuen Young. Also joining the Saturday lineup is drag queen Awesome Bitch.
“Built around beloved C-Pop hits familiar to audiences, the performance blends extravagant, over-the-top costuming, high-energy choreography, and captivating stage presence to spark a powerful fusion of gender-diverse performance art and C-Pop culture,” LunarFest Vancouver states on its website. “More than pure spectacle, the show also celebrates the diversity, creativity, and vibrant spirit of the Asian-Canadian drag community.”
In an interview with Pancouver last year, Tian said that he named his drag personal Wan-Ting Moi because Vancouver is the home to Chinese pop star Wanting Qu. He started bringing Chinese-speaking local drag artists together under the title “Forbidden City”. He felt that these shows could offer a queer space for local residents who speak a Chinese language.
The performers regularly sing classic Mandopop stars made famous by Asian A-listers such as Teresa Teng and A-Mei.
“This is the music that young little gay boys grew up singing to,” Tian said at the time.
LunarFest Vancouver will present Year of the Wild Horse: A C-Pop Drag Extravaganza at 7 p.m. on Saturday (February 28) at Performance Works. For tickets and more information, visit the LunarFest Vancouver website.
