Photo by Juan Rivera

In this era of desensitization, sometimes just being a drag queen isn't enough. How can already exaggerated femininity be taken to an even higher level of gender-bending bedlam, you ask? The answer is bearded drag queens. These performers are at a whole new level of glamour and self-awareness. So much so that Sidewinders Ranch is holding the New Mexico Bearded Queen Pageant, from which the winner and first runner-up will move forward to compete in the National Bearded Queen Pageant. Speaking of which, current National Bearded Queen titleholder and special guest of the evening, Joey Gallagher, performs as the shining example of what the other bearded queens are aspiring to. Head out to the local LGBTQ mecca on Saturday, March 9 as the doors open at 8pm and the show kicks off at 9 with a $10 cover for patrons 21 and older. Watch these girls smolder and see who takes the crown. (Mayo Lua de Frenchie)

Image courtesy of the artist

In the depth of their ninth season, Duke City Repertory Theatre presents a relevant and fresh break beat play by Idris Goodwin. The break beat poet and playwright, director and educator has a list of credentials a mile long and a body of work to be envious of. Hype Man makes its Albuquerque debut, tackling the tough question “whose responsibility is it to speak up in the face of social justice?” The story of a hip-hop trio on the verge of real success, experiences a violent incident shaking the trio and pressing them to explore issues of love, race and privilege. The ground-breaking stage show runs Thursdays through Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 2pm beginning Feb. 28 and closing on March 10. Tickets are $15 online or $18 at the door, for a recommended 16 and older audience. (Mayo Lua de Frenchie)

Image via Pixabay

So maybe you didn’t get the chocolates you were hoping for on Valentine’s Day. That’s totally OK, because there are other days dedicated to chocolate during the year, and this Saturday, March 9, is one of them. This is when the Chocolate Fantasy 2019 gala hits Hotel Albuquerque for a night of the swankiest, tastiest elbow-rubbing the city will see for a while. This fundraiser event for the New Mexico Museum of Natural History Foundation features intricate chocolate sculptures and tasting from the finest chefs and chocolatiers in New Mexico, as well as dinner, dancing and both a silent and a live auction. The theme this year is Arabian Nights, meaning you can expect a delicious Mediterranean menu for dinner. The event goes from 6pm to midnight, and reservations are required. Tickets are $200 per person. Contact Sherri Wells at 841-2828 or swells@naturalhistoryfoundation.org to purchase your tickets. (Robin Babb)