By Kevin Ferrisi –

HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT – This past weekend, the energy at Chez Est in Hartford was electric as the iconic venue celebrated its 48th anniversary in grand style. Fresh off her win from RuPaul’s Drag Race season 16, the dazzling Nymphia Wind made her highly anticipated Connecticut debut, drawing fans from all over the state. The night was filled with surprises, as drag royalty and local stars came together to honor the epicenter of Connecticut’s drag scene. The event was a fitting celebration of nearly five decades of drag history, with Nymphia Wind shining as the unforgettable highlight of the evening.

The night was a true constellation of stars, with the house packed to celebrate drag royalty and rising talent alike. Headlining the event was none other than Nymphia Wind, fresh off her victory on RuPaul’s Drag Race, but the spotlight was shared by Connecticut’s own and Drag Race season 15 alum, Amethyst. Local legends graced the stage as well, including Mx. KYNK 2024 Chai, who not only opened the show but also celebrated her birthday in grand style. Joining her were the reigning Mx. Chez Est 2024 Moxie Angel, Mx. Chez Est 2023 Rozz Aura, and Mx. Chez Est 2021 Natalia Fierce, the fierce daughter of RuPaul’s Drag Race season 15 star, Robin Fierce. It was a night of unforgettable performances and shared celebration full of surprises.

In true Chez Est fashion, the evening delivered more than the crowd could have imagined. Known for regularly hosting RuPaul’s Drag Race royalty, the night began with an exclusive meet and greet for VIP ticket holders, offering them a chance to snap a photo with season 16 winner, Nymphia Wind. But the biggest shock of the night came when season 8 champion, Bob The Drag Queen, made an impromptu appearance, out of drag, ahead of her own show the next day at College Street Music Hall in New Haven, part of her “This Is Wild!” world tour. Sneaking her way onto the stage first, Bob joined Nymphia for a photo op, sending the crowd into a frenzy of excitement. Adding to the star-studded appearances was Connecticut’s beloved Robin Fierce, out of drag, quickly snatching her photo with the duo, making the night a true celebration of drag excellence.

The night began with a burst of energy as Chai took the stage, setting the tone with an electric opening number. Following close behind, Rozz Aura captivated the crowd with her dynamic performance, leaving the audience eager for more. As anticipation grew, Amethyst made her entrance, preparing the crowd for the evening’s headliner with a playful rendition of ‘It’s Ok I’m Ok’ by Tate McRae. Her performance exuded pop star charisma, commanding the stage with effortless confidence and magnetic energy, drawing the audience in just before Nymphia Wind stormed the stage to close out the first set with her signature flair.

The moment finally arrived for Nymphia Wind to take the stage, and she made an entrance that would be talked about for ages. As the curtains drew closed, everyone knew they were in for a spectacular treat. With the first notes of ‘Malambo No. 1’ by Yma Sumac ringing through the venue, Nymphia burst through the curtains with a flair that matched her vibrant yellow banana tree headpiece and a skirt and bra crafted with playful bananas. True to her fun-loving style, she commanded the entire space, dancing wildly among the crowd and even leaping onto the bar top, where she continued her high-energy performance. Nymphia didn’t miss a beat, captivating the audience as she twirled and shook, leaving no inch of the venue untouched. The night took an even crazier turn when she playfully accepted a popper or two from a drag fan, borrowed a cowboy hat passed from the audience, and incorporated some bedazzled prop bananas into her routine, all to the beat of ‘Let’s Get Loud’ by Jennifer Lopez.

Nymphia Wind (10/12/24) from CT Drag Fans on Vimeo. Nymphia Wind at the Chez Est’s 48th Anniversary Party (1st Performance) at Chez Est in Hartford, CT on October 12, 2024. Video by Nick Dionne.

After a brief intermission, just long enough for patrons to refill their glasses and return to the front of the stage, the second set was ready to begin. Natalia Fierce kicked off the energy, followed by Moxie Angel. Then, Amethyst returned to the spotlight, delivering a performance of Sabrina Carpenter’s ‘Taste’. As the excitement built, Nymphia Wind took the stage once more to close out the night with an exciting mashup of Sia’s ‘Alive’ and Rosario Dawson’s ‘Out Tonight’. Dressed in all black with streaks of yellow in her hair, she commanded the stage. For her grand finale, she borrowed a green and white flag from someone in the audience – a proposed design for the flag of Taiwan, initiated by supporters of the Taiwan independence movement to replace the flag of the Republic of China. In a powerful gesture, Nymphia dropped to her knees at the end of the performance, using the stage floor to autograph the flag for a lucky fan, leaving the audience in awe.

Nymphia Wind, a Taiwanese-American drag performer, captured hearts as the winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race season 16. Known for her signature yellow looks, Nymphia’s connection to the color began in 2020 when she wore a striking head-to-toe yellow outfit, a choice that became a lasting symbol of joy and self-acceptance. For her, yellow represents a bright reminder to find happiness in life, while also helping her embrace and celebrate her Asian identity. Nymphia’s impressive run on the show mirrored that of past champions like Violet Chachki and Aquaria, as she dominated with three challenge wins, including the prestigious Ball challenge, and never landed in the bottom two. Her near-flawless performances earned her the title of America’s Next Drag Superstar, solidifying her place in Drag Race history.

Nymphia Wind kept the energy high as the night reached its thrilling conclusion, calling upon five tall men from the audience to join her on stage, each chosen for their impressive height – her personal preference. Describing her ideal man as someone whose head just peeks over the crowd, she set the stage for an exhilarating elimination game. One by one, Nymphia playfully dismissed each gentleman, leaving the audience in stitches as they cheered and laughed at her antics. With every elimination, the excitement grew, culminating in a final reveal that left one lucky man standing. The crowd erupted in cheers, delighted by the lightheartedness and hilarity of the moment. Nymphia truly delivered a wild and unforgettable night celebrating the 48th anniversary of Chez Est, showcasing her fun-loving spirit and cementing her status as a drag superstar.