Ever have that feeling that you’re being stretched too thin? Well, I mean, can you ever truly be too thin? Regardless, we’ve all experienced those moments where there is so much going on, it’s nearly impossible to keep up with it all.
I’m lucky because I’ve got a calendar loaded with events, but they’re so much fun there’s no stress to be had! Take the premiere of “Camp Wannakiki” for instance. This new drag reality show pits eight drag queens against one another in a summer camp to see who is the campiest gal in the U.S. I put on my camp counselor hat for the show, acting as a host and judge of this new web series that debuts on Tuesday, Aug. 7, on YouTube. You can catch the show early, if you join me for the premiere on Monday, Aug. 6, at Hamburger Mary’s. I can’t wait to show you the crazy new series that’s about to sweep America by storm.
Or, meet me on Thursday, Aug. 9, at the 2018 LGBTQ Progress Awards. I’ll host the 5:30 p.m. dinner and award presentation alongside Brett Blomme and the Cream City Foundation team. It’s a lovely night of food and friends, honoring those who are moving our community forward. Visit shepherdtickets.com for your $50 ticket. What a night we’ll have!
I hope you can join me for a little fun. I’ll be back next week with advice for the lovelorn, the messy and the hopelessly hopeless, so be sure to pick up a copy of the Shepherd Express and check out “Hear Me Out” each and every week.
Ruthie's Social Calendar
Aug. 2: Lady Parts Justice League Vagical Mystery Tour at The Cooperage (822 S. Water St.): It’s time to roll up your sleeves, fight for women’s rights...and have a helluva good time doing it! Part of Milwaukee’s Comedy Festival, this gut-buster of a night is not to be missed. The 7:30 p.m. show features four of the country’s top comics, Lizz Winstead, Gina Yashere, Aida Rodgriguez and Jackie Kashian. To learn more, swing by vagicalmysterytour.com.
Aug. 3-5: 50th Anniversary Celebration at This Is It (418 E. Wells St.): Celebrate the success of one of the city’s longest-running LGBTQ bars with this weekend of events. The fun starts Friday at 5:30 p.m. with opening ceremonies at the hot spot’s new outdoor bar. At 11 p.m. RuPaul favorite Stacy Layne Matthews joins the fun with a show on the outdoor stage. Drop by the bar to learn more about special guest stars appearing throughout the weekend.
Aug. 4: Black Arts Fest MKE at Henry W. Maier Festival Park (200 N. Harbor Drive): One of the biggest parties in the city is back with this noon to midnight fest featuring four stages of live entertainment, numerous food vendors, a marketplace and so much more. Visit blackartsfestmke.com for everything from tickets to attractions and activities.
Aug. 4-5: The World of Faeries Festival at Vasa Park (35 W 217 Route 31, South Elign, Ill.): Celebrate the feminine spirit with this 14th annual family friendly event. Loaded with merchants, musicians, magic and more, the whimsical fest keeps the spotlight on the lovely mystical creatures of the woods. Relish the fantasy of the renaissance with an $11 general admission ticket found at theworldoffaaeries.com.
Aug. 6: Premiere of ‘Camp Wannakiki’ at Hamburger Mary’s (730 S. Fifth St.): It’s time to amp up your camp at the debut of this new reality drag competition. The hilarious web series features eight kooky queens (including two from Milwaukee) living in a camp ground where they compete to become America’s next queen of camp! And guess who is a host and judge? Me! My nutty cousins, the Sugarbaker twins, and I hold down the fort (or should I say “tent”) during this must-see show. Catch the 7 p.m. premiere, meet the contestants in person and get in on the hottest new show to hit the country.
Aug. 8: Milwaukee Coffee Connection at Kilwins (5756 N. Bayshore Drive): On your way to work, be sure to hit up the Bayshore chocolate shop for a heartwarming 8 to 9 a.m. coffee clutch. Hosted by the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce, this free meet and greet is open to everyone. Kilwins brings the coffee; you bring the conversation!
Don’t miss Ruthie’s new reality show, “Camp Wannakiki” on YouTube. Want to share an event with Ruthie? Email DearRuthie@Shepex.com and follow her on Instagram @ruthiekeester and Facebook at Dear Ruthie.
