Past Event

Now What? A Conversation with the Creators of Alaska and Jomama Jones

Unfortunately, due to the overwhelming response for this discussion, registration has now closed.
However, $10 tickets for the performances can still be purchased from the Empty Bottle.

There are a variety of ways to find out about upcoming events:
-join our email list here 
-visit the calendar 
-connect with us on Facebook or twitter.

For more information, please call 312.422.5580.

Justin Honard and Daniel Alexander Jones, who embody the well-known female characters Alaska Thunderf*#k and Jomama Jones, join the Illinois Humanities Council’s Angel Ysaguirre for a lively conversation about drag, gender and building community through theatrical performance and music.

Alaska is the lone surviving alien from a spaceship that crash-landed in south-central Alaska. The runner-up on season 5 of RuPaul’s Drag Race in 2013, she’s been called “America’s warm, quick-witted drag sweetheart.“

Jomama Jones is a 1970’s soul sonic superstar diva who has returned to the U.S. after years of self-imposed exile abroad. Called “a true theatrical original” by Backstage Magazine, her performance was one of the top experiences of 2011 by New Yorker Magazine‘s Hilton Als.

Appearing out of character, both Justin and Daniel will share clips from their performances and share their thoughts about the ways female impersonation reflects society’s ideas about femininity, gender, sexuality and how they use their performances to shape and build community.

Following the conversation, enjoy a set of drag and drag-inspired performances curated by Salonathon and music by Baathaus.

Complete Program Schedule:
  • 7:00 – Welcome and Conversation
  • 8:30 – Drag Performance by Salonathon
  • 9:30 – Music by Baathaus

Help shape the conversation!
Tweet questions to Justin, Daniel, or Angel before and during the event, using the hashtag #nwIHC


 

This is the fourth installment of Now What? a five-part series of off-the-cuff conversations with some of the country’s most interesting thinkers talking about today’s front-page issues. Led by our executive director, Angel Ysaguirre, these conversations and the ideas they inspire will reflect the future of Illinois Humanities Council programming and its vital role for the health of our society.

 

If you need a sign interpreter or require other arrangements to fully participate, please call 312.422.5580 at least 72 hours prior to the event. For parking locations near the facility, please visit ChicagoParkingMap.com.

For more information, please cal 312.422.5580.