Queer club creatures Lady Olé launch their Autumn-Winter season by serving up a sickening slice of American pie
Another season, another reason for getting feeling your flamenco oats. After the rip-raw success of their bi-monthly parties, they’re doubling down and going MONTHLY. Going into the new format, they’ll be ping-ponging between their spiritual home at the Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club and taking over the infamous Kolis Nightclub over in Archway.
With another Lana album whipping homosexuals into a frantic state, we’re experiencing a renewed love for all things Americana. Whether you’re Norman Fucking Rockwell or more Andy Bastard Warhol, there’s only one event you should be heading to this weekend to get your ass star-spangled. Get in a right state at this celebration of the ‘States.
Brought to you by London-based queer Spanish-British club collective Lady Olé, Born in the USA is sure to have you riffing ‘Amazing Grace’ like Whitney sitting on a tumble dryer. On September 14th their ever-popular event will lean to its knees at the altar of all Dolly Parton, Cher, Britney, Madonna, Keller and Knox all wrapped up in a big Big Mac bun. Gertrude Stein once referred to America as the oldest country on Earth, since it lived in this current cultural moment way before the rest of the world caught up. Lady Olé are never ones to be left behind, so get on this red-stripped wave over at the Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club.
Despite being a gun-infested hellscape, and increasingly so under the big Wotsit thumb of he who must not be named, America sure has gifted the world with some banger. The gay liberation movement, fast food, peanut butter, the microwave oven, Hilda from Ugly Betty, Meryl Street’s scream from the second season of Big Little Lies. There’s so much to be enjoyed. London’s Spanish community may have set up on the British Isles, but a part of their Latin hearts belongs to the U S of friggin’ A. Lady Olé is a playground of mischievous party-lovers, showcasing Spanish queer sensibilities for their Anglo-Saxon sisters.
Then on the 12th of October, they’re holding their first event at Kolis Nightclub, a Halloween spectacular featuring a live performance from Spanish diva Soraya. Set to be one of their biggest bashes to date, the “Bolero” singer is sure to draw in the queers in troves. She smashed it representing Spain in the Eurovision of ’09 and still draws in a crowd. What makes Lady Olé stand out as a clubbing experience is a dedication to the dress code. In the past they’ve teamed up with other queer clubbing heavyweights, from London-based R&She and Exilio Latino to international Prides in Barcelona and Rome, turning extraordinary lurks every time. They go all out. Putting a look together is something the bizarro, queer and kitsch folks of Olé enjoy doing, and the punters can’t help but join in. For this party, they’re asking folks to ruffle their pompoms and twirl their pleated skirts to serve some Cheerleader realness. If spirited callisthenics aren’t your thing, then a Fast Food vender look is an unhealthy alternative. Think the Fast Food Rockers after a week’s partying in Sitges.
On the 23rd of November, they’re back at the Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club with The Real Pamela channelling Around the World vibes. Taking to the club’s stage will be drag sensation Ari Korrales whose performances will leave you DROOLING. These folk pride themselves on the club’s openness so leave the bad vibes at home. Everyone should be free to come bask in Olé’s divine light, regardless of race, gender, religion, genitalia, excitement for Cats the movie or a secret passion for Nickelback.
Closing the season will be their party on the 14th of December where they’ll be welcoming special guest Ladilla Rusa to the stage of the Kolis Nightclub. The Catalan duo is a quirky queer explosion of colour and costumes, serving up kitsch by the bucket. Glitter, sequins and shoulder pads will be a MUST. The perfect remedy for those winter blues are the frantic thrusts of a Latin dancer.
Keep up to date with all things Lady Olé on Facebook. Lady Olé presents Born in the USA is this Saturday, 14th September at the Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club. Tickets available on OutSavvy.com.
