Coco Freeo is a fixture in Boise’s drag scene, and is growing that scene by extending it outside nightlife. She’s the owner of Served! Drag Brunch, and has some tips for drag brunch etiquette.
What are the differences in vibes between a drag show at a nightclub versus a drag brunch during the day at maybe a restaurant?
“When you go to a nightclub at night … people are going to party, party, party. [T]hey have been drinking … and they go out and they just go to have a good time. When you go to brunch, it's more of an … intimate experience because [it’s a more] one-on-one interaction with the performer. It’s more relaxed. There’s a lot of people that don't like to go or they don't go to the nightlife, but they still want to support and they enjoy drag shows. So brunch, it has been that way to satisfy both needs … they still support us.”
What is the most important rule of drag brunch?
“[T]he most important rule … is consent. Don’t get up and go on stage if we don't ask you to, or just get up and start dancing with us. [T]his is your time to relax, enjoy a great show and enjoy a good time with your friends and family. And I would say … we feed from the energy of people. So the louder that you are, the more enthusiastic, the more fun that you're having is the more fun that we are going to have. And one of the other things [to know]: tipping. [T]hat’s mostly [where] our income is coming from is tipping … so it's really important for people to bring some cash.”
You've seen drag in Puerto Rico, in Miami. What is the difference that you've seen in the crowds maybe there versus Boise?
“The crowd in Boise … when they go out, they like to party. And that's something that makes it really unique. When we create these spaces where we are ourselves and you are welcome to be there, it's easier for [the audience] to feel welcome and to be themselves. As performers and as a producer … we allow them to be themselves.”
