Stay updated with the latest news about Darcelle XV Showplace, Portland’s iconic drag entertainment venue.
Discover how Darcelle XV Showplace continues to make headlines with its legendary drag shows, community events, and tributes to the late Darcelle XV, the world’s oldest performing drag queen. Explore media coverage, interviews, and features celebrating the venue’s rich history and ongoing impact on Portland’s LGBTQ+ community. Whether it’s local news or national recognition, find all the latest stories right here. Stay connected with Darcelle XV Showplace—Portland’s top destination for unforgettable drag performances.
A note from Jeremy-Corvus Peck: The New Owner of Darcelle XV Showplace
I was born and raised in Hillsboro, Oregon. After stepping down as Emperor of the Imperial Sovereign Court of Tacoma, Washington, I wanted to pursue a career in drag. This journey began when I auditioned for a position at the 24th Street Tavern in downtown Tacoma, marking the start of my drag career.
I first visited Darcelle XV Showplace on my 21st birthday, where I met the legendary and larger-than-life Darcelle. Since then, I have been an active member of the Portland community. For over five years, I have served on the Board of Directors of the Portland Oregon 7 Rose Court.
My goal in purchasing this iconic nightclub is to honor Darcelle’s legacy by bringing innovation and modernization to the club’s practices. I am committed to ensuring that every guest has an unforgettable experience when they walk through our doors.
Darcelle XV Plaza
Located in the heart of downtown, Darcelle XV Plaza honors the late Portland luminary Walter Cole, who enlivened the city in the Darcelle XV Showplace; the longest-running drag cabaret on the West Coast.
Thousands gather in Portland to remember iconic drag queen Darcelle XV
A memorial was held for Walter W. Cole Sr., aka Darcelle XV, at Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall in downtown Portland, on April 25, 2023.
Darcelle XV (Full Documentary) | Nation’s Oldest Performing Drag Queen | Oregon Experience
Portland’s Darcelle XV is the nation’s oldest performing drag queen and operates what is thought to be the country’s longest-running drag revue. Throughout her long career, she has seen and has been a part of, revolutionary change within the LGBTQ+ community. This episode of Oregon Experience originally aired in the spring of 2016.
Just Call Me Darcelle by Sharon Knorr, Walter Cole
Before he was Darcelle XV, Portland, Oregon’s most celebrated female impersonator, he was Walter Cole, a boy from the small suburb of Linnton. Walter/Darcelle tells the story of his life from his depression era childhood, his years in the service during the Korean Conflict, his time as a husband and father and his coming out in the sixties to become a mentor and strong example of strength and courage for gay and straight people everywhere. Your life is what you make of it and no one does it better than Darcelle.
The 90s Club (amazon prime video)
A charming documentary showcasing the vibrant wisdom of 12 diverse individuals between ages 90 and 99 (including Dick Van Dyke, Civil Rights attorney Fred Gray, and world record holder for oldest performing drag queen, Darcelle XV). They share about death and loss but also love, connection, accomplishment, and meaning. Through their insights, we all gain perspective for ourselves as we age.
The Bold, Blonde, & Beautiful IPA
Portland, Ore, Feb 28th, 2023 — Gigantic Brewing Company’s ongoing collaboration with 501(c)(3) nonprofit Weird Portland United (WPU) returns with a Blonde IPA celebrating the work and influence of Darcelle XV, Portland’s original drag queen. Darcelle has been entertaining audiences and supporting the drag and LGBTQ+ community for over 55 years, and holds the Guinness record for being ‘The World’s Oldest Performing Drag Queen’.