Hosted by Scarlett
BoBo, the top four houses from Season 3 will compete for the
crown, including special guest appearances and performances
TORONTO, June 2, 2022
/CNW/ - Back in Toronto for
its third season, the Absolut Empire's Ball has delivered another
showstopping run, welcoming Canadian queens from all backgrounds to
participate in the ultimate drag competition. Now, all eyes are on
the prize heading into this year's Grand Finale, a Pride Toronto
affiliated event on June 18th, where
one house will be crowned the next drag empire.
Created, produced and hosted by international drag superstar and
Canada's Drag Race Season 1
finalist, Scarlett BoBo, the Finale
will see House Bontemps, House Diamonds, P.H.A.G. House and Haus
Injustice compete, with performances by Scarlett BoBo, Ivory
Towers, Helena Poison, and more.
"I come from a strong Drag Family background, the BoBos are a
legendary house, and I wanted to return that sense of family and
elevate it with a ball," says Scarlett
BoBo. "Every year it gets bigger and bigger, and the finale
is where everyone showcases their talent to the world. I can't wait
to see what these houses bring to the ball this year, it's going to
be iconic!"
The Absolut Empire's Ball is the only grassroots drag
competition that welcomes all types of entertainers to compete in a
safe and inclusive space with their chosen houses, all in
celebration of Pride and in support of important causes. Sponsored
by long standing LGBTQ2S+ ally, Absolut Vodka, proceeds from the
event, including $1 from every
Absolut Vodka sold, will go to Rainbow Railroad and the 519.
Patrons will also have the opportunity to donate to Black Coalition
for AIDS Prevention (Black CAP) onsite.
"The Absolut Empire's Ball has grown into a vital event over its
history, bringing together the diversity of our communities and
shining a spotlight on the creativity of established and upcoming
drag queens," says Kimahli Powell, Rainbow Railroad Executive
Director. "Thanks to the leadership of Scarlett and support of
Absolut, funds from the Absolut Empire's Ball have helped Rainbow
Railroad provide life-saving support to dozens of LGBTQI+ people
facing persecution around the world."
Since 2018, the Empire's Ball and Absolut Vodka have donated
over $40,000 to LGBTQ2S+ charities in
Toronto, becoming a drag sensation
that has featured dozens of performers across Canada.
"Balls have been, and continue to be, a backbone of Queer and
Trans history and liberation. Balls are a space where racialized
2S, queer, and trans folks are able to truly and fully express
ourselves unbound by binary expectations of gender expression and
sexuality," says the 519. "A powerful fusion of fashion, dance, and
personal as well as community expression, drag balls are sites of
power, community, family, and resilience. The 519 is committed to
holding space for our current and future generations of houses and
to nurture and support this foundational tradition of the
communities we hold so dear, and on whose shoulders we stand."
"We're so excited to have the Absolut Empire's Ball as an
affiliated event of Pride Toronto on June
18th," says Sherwin Modeste,
Executive Director, Pride Toronto. "It's a full circle moment for
us, as the Season One finale was held on our Yonge and Dundas Stage. The Absolut Empire's
Ball and Scarlett's spirit of inclusion and investing in the
community in Toronto is inspiring,
and we look forward to their support in raising funds with us for
Black CAP at the finale."
On June 18th, join the Ball in the
heart of Toronto's Gay Village and
raise a glass in celebration of Pride and in support of incredible
local talent and causes. Secure your tickets to the Absolut
Empire's Ball Finale today at
https://absolutempiresball.com/finale/, while supplies last.
About the Absolut Empire's
Ball
The Absolut Empire's Ball was created by Scarlett Bobo to give a platform for all drag
entertainers to express themselves and highlight their art.
Creating a more inclusive, accepting and safe environment, where
all types of drag artists are welcome, in a community that is often
stigmatized and marginalized is very important to Bobo, and this
competition has been one of her passions.
About Corby Spirit and
Wine
Corby Spirit and Wine Limited is a leading Canadian
manufacturer, marketer and distributor of spirits and wines.
Corby's portfolio of owned-brands includes some of the most
renowned brands in Canada,
including J.P. Wiser's®, Lot 40®, and Pike Creek® Canadian
whiskies, Lamb's® rum, Polar Ice® vodka, McGuinness® liqueurs,
Ungava® gin, Cabot Trail® maple-based liqueurs and Chic Choc®
Spiced rum, and Foreign Affair® wines. Through its affiliation with
Pernod Ricard S.A., a global leader in the spirits and wine
industry, Corby also represents leading international brands such
as ABSOLUT® vodka, Chivas Regal®, The Glenlivet® and Ballantine's®
Scotch whiskies, Jameson® Irish whiskey, Beefeater® gin, Malibu®
rum, Kahlúa® liqueur, Mumm® champagne, and Jacob's Creek®, Wyndham
Estate®, Stoneleigh®, Campo Viejo®, and Kenwood® wines. Corby is a
publicly traded company based in Toronto,
Ontario, and listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the
trading symbols CSW.A and CSW.B. For further information,
please visit our website or follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, or
Twitter.
SOURCE Corby Spirit and Wine Communications