There’s probably no better time in the history of the U.S.A. for a party meant to bring people of all stripes together.
With all that’s going on across this country – family separations, crumbling abortion and female reproductive rights, racism flying out of the White House – what a relief to have an event that encourages everyone to come as they are for a night of uninhibited fun.
Enter the second edition of Pussy Pop, the brainchild of Hannah Bull of Bambull Black Productions, producers of the hottest multimedia parties in town, including this past winter’s Dream Machine. The night is set to snap and crackle when Pussy Pop returns this Saturday night at The Secret Group.
Pussy Pop is the best the Houston creative arts scene has to offer, featuring a who’s-who lineup of DJs, dance routines, singers, costumes and more will be on tap at the second edition of the wildest night of the year.
Over a drink at Double Trouble in Midtown, Bull recalls a time a friend of hers told her they had never met a trans person before, which still resonates to this day.
“All my events are pulling different people from different parts of the community that wouldn’t necessarily hangout together, which I think is important to promote different ideals of acceptance,” Bull said. “Doing events like this, it allows for that. People who may not have been around those types of people or danced with those types of people or drank with those types of people, now there’s acceptance there because there’s more familiarity.”
All nine performers set to appear are encouraged to dress up as their favorite pop stars or pop culture inspirations, such the Spice Boiz, as performed by Emma D’lemma and Co.; Prinse as performed by Alyssia Dieringer; and Malt Disney, as performed by Avery of Wild Moccasins, who will spin remixed Disney tunes.
Unlike Bambull Black’s Dream Machine that featured numerous multimedia exhibits, Pussy Pop makes attendees the focus of the event.
“I think that the people are the installations for this,” Bull said. “People dress up, they are throwing money, confetti, and beach balls – everyone is the art. There is no room for the installations because they wouldn’t get the respect they needed, everyone expresses themselves.”
Fast-rising Houston DJ, Dom Top aka Dominique Gary, played his first gig at last year’s Pussy Pop, taking on Charli XCX as Charli XXX. It launched his burgeoning career as a party rocker and he now plays out regularly. He’ll headline this year, this time as the Santigold doppelgänger, Dantigold.
“It was unique because there were so many different kinds of people but everyone was unique, creative and artistic in their own way,” Gary said about the first edition. “It was people from different communities in Houston, which was cool because it was people you don’t normally party with or hang out with but we had so much in common. I think everyone left happy and feeling they were part of a bigger community from these smaller communities.”
The best part is a large portion of the proceeds will go to Planned Parenthood, the American Civil Liberties Union, and the Yellowhammer Fund, all of which are fighting for women’s and human rights in very dark socio-political times.
“I really want to put a lot of focus into Dream Machine because it’s super important but I’m starting to realize that Pussy Pop is important too,” Bull said when asked to compare the two events. “Especially when I was really motivated by what’s happening in Alabama and states that are putting in these crazy abortion bans. The ACLU is also fighting the detainment camps too.”
But Bull is adamant all are welcome at Pussy Pop, as long as they enter with an open-mind and want to spend the night with those who might be their new best friends.
“You could blame it on cell phones or the fear that’s being funneled into us by propaganda, but people don’t associate with people outside their kind,” Bull said. “I don’t know if it’s because I’m a teacher and I’ve had to teach many different people, but I love to talk to many people, about many things, appreciating different qualities. I want everyone to feel comfortable doing that – that is what a community is.”
Pussy Pop takes place at The Secret Group, 2101 Polk St, on Saturday, August 3. Doors open at 6 pm. Tickets are $15 in advance and after 9pm. Tickets will be $10 at the door before 9pm. Visit the event page for more information.
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