Opulence hosts “Business Through the Decades” drag show at 3 Dots

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. – 3 Dots Downtown hosted Opulence’s latest drag show on Nov. 14, “Business Through the Decades,” with doors opening at 8 p.m., and the show starting at 8:30 p.m.

Joe Belle, also known on stage as DJ Bad Bones, shared his journey into drag. Originally involved in lighting design, Joe discovered drag after working with Opulence last year.

“I came in to set up lights but ended up wanting to perform,” Joe said.

DJ Bad Bones brings a blend of performance and lighting design to the stage, using his background in graphic arts.

Romonica DiGregory, a Penn State student and co-chair for Opulence’s social events, has been involved with the group for three semesters.

After a 10-year gap between high school and college, they joined Penn State at age 30.

“I’ve loved drag since my teens,” Romonica said. They first performed in community theater, which led them to amateur drag shows.

When asked for advice, Romonica said, “Just do it. Don’t worry about judgment. Drag is about expressing a character, not just yourself.”

DiGregory believes drag allows performers to explore new identities and step into different roles.

For the night’s performance, Romonica planned two numbers: a duet with Opulence’s club president, Delilah Frey, featuring a Donna Summer song, and a solo performance of the Eurythmics’ “Would I Lie to You?” dressed in a neon power suit.

“Drag has been around for centuries,” DiGregory said. “It’s a form of art like any other. We want the audience to leave feeling inspired and open to new forms of expression.”

3 Dots Downtown continues to provide a platform for performers to connect with the community and explore various forms of artistic expression.

Emily Lin is a second-year majoring in communications. To contact her, email eml6121@psu.edu.