Rev. Yolanda’s Old Time Gospel Hour…. WHAT A SHOW! A MUST SEE

Happy Monday everyone,

It took me a while to fully digest and be able to verbalize this amazing show I saw last night.  I woke up this morning and I am ready to share!  Are you ready?

A couple of weeks ago at Mark Janus’ Salon, I saw Rev. Roger Anthony Yolanda Mapes, a gospel/country Reverend who is also a drag queen (is that unique or what?) perform and I loved it.    He talked about a show at the Duplex coming up and I said to myself I will definitely be there!  As intrigued as I was, I decided to invite my buddy Carly Ozard to the show. Together with Maria Moncada, another buddy of mine who is already a fan, we went to the show.

The show did not disappoint. What a fantastic performance!!  Rev. Yolanda had the amazing ability to entertain, captivate, engage and inspire each and everyone in the audience.  

I was a catholic school girl and I grew up singing gospel at the church. I’ve always found the music to bring a sense of comfort.  Growing up under the repressive environment of catholic school pushed me away and made me decide later on in my life to follow the Buddhist path.  However, somewhere in my heart, I had maintained the belief that somehow, all religion originated from the same starting point, encircling everyone regardless of gender, race, orientation and status of life.   Rev. Yolanda’s show last night showed me how that is possible!! Rev. Yolanda delivered a show that no one can forget anytime soon!  With his amazing 4 piece country band led by musical director Kenneth Gartman who also happens to possess quite an amazing set of pipes, a perfect compliment to Rev. Yolanda. They sang down the house.  His special guest Tom Vaughn was a great talent as well with his country-style originals. His cd is schedule for release in September. Check it out! Not a single dull moment!

Under his flamboyantly glamorous appearance, Rev Yolanda’s  music  resonated and engaged something deep inside me  and the rest of the audience.  His performance is “art”!   His faith is obvious and it touches everyone!  

You might have thought when you saw his name, Reverend Roger Anthony Yolanda Mapes, “What a long name?  Who can remember a long name like that?”  Well, I can tell you one thing, if you had gone to his show, you would walk out remembering that name, as I have!  See the show to find out why!  I promise, it will not disappoint!  I will definitely go again!

Enjoy your day and here are some pictures from the show for your enjoyment!