BIG FREEDIA’s CHRISTMAS IN CENTRAL CITY TOUR
BY EJ JOLLYI have an odd relationship with Christmas, considering my last name is Jolly. But if Big Freedia's Christmas in Central City Tour was what Christmas was always like, I'd love the season so much more.
Even the opener turned the heat up so much you could feel the bass vibrating deep in your sternum. Australian trio Haiku Hands left me wondering "How are they not tired?" all throughout their set. Dressed in a fashion reminiscent of TLC's iconic style (aka baggy everything), they were donned in long scarves and fringe masks covering their entire faces. Their matching ruched pants added even more eccentricity to their outfits, and combined with their vibrant stage presence, created an unforgettable experience. The entire stage transformed into their playground, with monitors, mic stands, and even the barricade becoming integral set pieces in their performance. The in-sync choreography only added to their already high-energy performance, creating a captivating synergy between the artists and the audience.
After getting the stage ready with a festive backdrop and huge inflatable Christmas decorations (there was already a crown made up of butts hanging above the stage), Anjelika 'Jelly' Joseph came onstage to sing a few holiday classics for the audience. Often lending her talents to fellow New Orleans funk acts such as Galactic and Tank and The Bangas, her excitement prepared us well for The Queen of Bounce to take the stage. Accompanied by Jelly, backline musicians, and exceptional backup dancers, Big Freedia delivered an effortless performance. Two Christmas EPs and a catalogue of genre-defining bounce music provided plenty of infectious beats and booty shaking for the audience to enjoy. As the night progressed, volunteers were invited onstage to showcase their twerking skills. The infectious energy continued as the crowd joined in, showcasing a unique form of community that can only be described as "soliderrierity."
The entire night truly celebrated the kind of diversity bounce is all about, and the collective joy of uninhibited self-expression. $1 from every ticket sold also went towards The Ally Coalition, supporting homeless and at-risk LGBTQIA+ youth.
