That’s right, folks. Portland’s hometown heroine, Darcelle XV, marks her 80th in grand fashion tomorrow night at the Melody Ballroom.

Just Out contributor Nick Mattos previews the history-making affair in the current issue. His write-up follows.

It’s not exactly easy to be fabulous. To keep it up for eight decades and show no sign of stopping, though, is nothing short of superhuman. Celebrate the birthday of Portland’s most glamorous octogenarian—sashay on down to Darcelle XV’s Birthday November 16 at the Melody Ballroom.

When Darcelle, born Walter Cole, started her Vegas-style revue at the Demas Tavern in 1968, it wasn’t legal for a man to dress as a woman in Portland unless it was for a theatrical performance. So perform she did, and she hasn’t left the stage since. All manner of characters and trends come and go in the drag community; it’s a rare bird indeed that is able to stay fully in character over the long run, as relevant as the first day the wig went on. Darcelle has done just that for more than 40 years and was honored in 2009 among the Stonewall 40 Trans Heroes—a list of influential figures that includes RuPaul and author Leslie Feinberg.

Darcelle’s performances over the decades have been consistently hilarious, bucking the crassness and cheap shock value that often serve as crutches for less-accomplished performers. This peppy, clever stage savvy has won the old gal generations of fans and fueled the success of her titular showcase in Old Town—the longest continuously operating drag show in the nation. In short, we should all wish to age with the humor, grace and class that Darcelle has demonstrated in spades, and that she’s certain to demonstrate with trademark aplomb at her soiree.

The evening’s fun begins with a cocktail party featuring a spread of hors d’oeuvres. After everyone’s properly loosened up, a full dinner will be served in the Grand Ballroom while a showcase of live entertainment celebrating the divine Darcelle’s life and work keeps the crowd guffawing. It’s a surefire recipe for a historic birthday party as snappy, naughty and fun as the lady herself. As Ms. D told Just Out last year, “Just be happy. It’s being happy that has kept me so young.”

A most happy of days to you, Darcelle.

The celebration begins at 5:30 p.m. tomorrow (dinner at 6:30), Nov. 16 at the Melody Ballroom, 615 SE Alder. Tickets are $25, with a portion of proceeds benefiting Camp Starlight, the Audria M. Edwards and Pride of the Rose scholarship funds. Contact 503-222-5338, 503-708-2585 or visit darcellexv.com for more information and tickets.

–Nick Mattos

The Pride of the Rose Scholarship Committee is proud to announce the new Pride of the Rose Scholars for 2011.  A record $25,000 is being awarded to students.  The recipients, listed below, were celebrated at Darcelle’s XV during the Turnabout event. 

Congratulations to the Pride of the Rose Scholars!

Krystal Lynn Phillips, $1,500, Aveda Institute
Trevor Hennigan, $2,000, Boston Conservatory of Music
Rachel Mohr, $1,000, Clackamas Community
Trisha Rau, $2,000, Clackamas Community College Nursing School
Rej Joo, $1,500, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health
John McCall, $2,000, Linfield Good Samaritan School of Nursing
Adriyn Hayes, $2,000, OHSU School of Nursing
Samantha Masson, $3,000, Portland Community College
Keegan Porter, $1,000, Portland State University
Phillip Garry, $1,500, Portland State University
Charlie Dunkin, $3,000, Portland State University
Rachel Jackson, $3,000, Portland State University
Katherine Buonocore, $1,500, Willamette University


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