Dragged Through the Mud

If you take the idea of mainstream drag, douse it in raw sewage and draw lipstick on its teeth, you’ve got Christeene Vale. Just one of performer Paul Soileau’s many personas, Christeene is a queen on a mission — to sing, dance, spit and make her adoring fans as uncomfortable...

By Bree Davies

July 19, 2012

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If you take the idea of mainstream drag, douse it in raw sewage and draw lipstick on its teeth, you’ve got Christeene Vale. Just one of performer Paul Soileau’s many personas, Christeene is a queen on a mission — to sing, dance, spit and make her adoring fans as uncomfortable as possible. At tonight’s Watching Hour at the Denver FilmCenter, Christeene comes alive with one of her infamously disgusting in-person performances and a mini-film festival of equally raunchy music videos.

“Christeene conveys this sort of slutty, backwoods persona,” says FilmCenter programming director Keith Garcia. “She’s a little mysterious in her intention, leaving to question where she fits in with drag.”

That veil of filthy secrecy will only be furthered by Christeene’s performance of dubstep- and hip-hop-influenced songs like “African Mayonnaise” and “Bustin’ Brown,” from her new album, Waste Up, Kneez Down.

Tonight’s edition of the Watching Hour also features a live performance by DJ JJ Booya and a Q&A with Christeene’s videographer, PJ Raval. The event begins at 10 p.m. at the FilmCenter, 2510 East Colfax Avenue; get tickets, $10 to $12, and information at 303-595-3456 and www.denverfilm.org.
Fri., July 20, 10 p.m., 2012

Bree Davies is a multimedia journalist, artist advocate and community organizer born and raised in Denver. Rooted in the world of Do-It-Yourself arts and music, Davies co-founded Titwrench experimental music festival, is host of the local music and comedy show Sounds on 29th on CPT12 Colorado Public Television and is creator and host of the civic and social issue-focused podcast, Hello? Denver? Are You Still There? Her work is centered on a passionate advocacy for all ages, accessible, inclusive, non-commercial and autonomous DIY art spaces and music venues in Denver.

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