The Block Beat multimedia series is a collaboration with The TRiiBE that roots Chicago musicians in places and neighborhoods that matter to them.
Written by Arthur E. Haynes IIPhotography by Darius Griffin
Video by Jiayan ‘Jenny’ ShiShot at Seek Vintage, 1433 W. Chicago
The Second City’s Salute to Pride (Not Safe for WERK) A new all-queer variety show hosted by Lucy Stoole. Through 6/26: Tue-Wed 8 PM, Up Comedy Club at Second City, 230 W. North, $26-$36, 18+
Reader Pride Block Party Live music, DJ sets, and more—including Lucy Stoole and an intergenerational cast of queens and kings teaching a drag history lesson. Sun 6/23, 1-9 PM, Marz Community Brewing, 3630 S. Iron, $10, all ages
Chicago Is a Drag Festival With Lucy Stoole, Raja, Candis Cayne, Spikey Van Dykey, and others. Fri 6/28, 4-11 PM, Cheetah Gym parking lot, 5238 N. Clark, $25, 21+
“Not only just being, like, one of the best clothing shops in the city, it has also helped a lot of the girls through various sorts of whatever is happening in their life,” Lucy says. “If it was an outfit or if it was being able to work a shift, Seek is that little spot in the community.”
“It goes from having those very glamorous moments to, you know, sometimes just wearing bondage looks and stuff,” she says. “But that’s all a part of what encompasses what Lucy Stoole is in drag.”
She knows she owes a lot to Seek, where some of Lucy’s first looks originated. She still plucks from the racks from time to time, looking for something to breathe new life into. “I just bought a beautiful Christian Dior jacket from here that’s part of my drag persona now,” she says. “I love being able to bring vintage stuff into the looks that I do. So this is like the perfect place for it.”
