To me, the best artists are ones who can provide an escape for their viewers. Whether the escape lasts brief seconds or hours, it’s a feeling that can’t quite be replicated. Complete enthrallment. Absolute disregard for the doldrums of the day. A living, breathing, absolute moment of peace and clarity. When you think of these qualities, maybe viewing a Picasso or listening to Chopin pops into your mind. Good for you! As for me — and with all due respect to Picasso and Chopin — I’ll take a brave man in a sequined dress any day.

There’s just something special about seeing a 7’3” Glamazon in platform heels pouring his heart into a lip-synched rendition of Cher’s “Believe”. I don’t know what it is, but when a man in a dress drops into a split—I know in my heart of hearts that it’s his way of saying “Thanks for being here, ladies and gentlemen. I do so hope you’re having a good time.” “Oh, I most certainly am, good sir! Here’s a dollar for your trouble. Please tell me your next act is going to be a rousing parody of Girl’s Just Wanna Have Fun…” The next thing you know, that plaguing thought about work or those nagging dishes still sitting in your kitchen sink are far from your mind.

Sometimes, the change brought about by art isn’t monumental. It doesn’t have to cause political action or raise awareness of a devastating epidemic (though drag queens have been known to do both). It can simply be the change in your mood. Had a bad day? Here’s the prescription: At the first sign of symptoms (grumpiness, tears, blinding rage from stepping on a Lego) take one pint of Ben & Jerry’s by mouth with an episode of RuPaul’s Drag Race (www.logotv.com). Repeat if symptoms recur.

This month, those of us who find ourselves affected by the lack of a Valentine’s companion even have the rare opportunity to end what I call “The Most Devastating Week of the Year” by dancing the night away with some West Virginia Drag Royalty. February 16 at 5pm, find your way to The Irish Pub on Washington Street in downtown Lewisburg, WV for the Queens of Hearts Drag Show.

Party with Penny C, DJ Swerv’n Irvin and three queens from the big city of Charleston, Miss WV Prides 2005, 2006, and 2013, Bridget Nickles, Viki Williams, and Monica St. Claire will be on scene to provide you with enough entertainment to slough off all your ill will towards that obnoxious, arrow-wielding cherub.

Life doesn’t have to be a drag when there are drag queens around!

Admission is $7. Join this event: facebook.com/event/698714140179863.

-Ryan Ferrebee, LBSPY #50 (Feb 10-March 10, 2014)