We had the good fortune of connecting with Brian Trapp aka Phoenix and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Brian, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I’ve been performing for 20+ years and worked for many others that produced shows and never felt they were ran to their fullest potential, so i decided to start producing my own. I now produce shows all over the country and around the city of Atlanta. I also manage myself as well as represent and book other drag performers, dancers, djs, bartenders at private, corporate, nightclub, film/tv events all over.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I began the art of female impersonation/drag about 20 years ago. I’d always been on more of the creative side, loved art, dance, theater, so this art form was an easy thing to fall in love with. Atlanta has always been a hub for drag, so it was definitely the perfect place to learn. That being said, because it’s a hub, there was lots of competition, so being noticed and getting work was tough. That didn’t stop me tho, I kept at it and made sure people knew who I was. Rejection makes my drive more aggressive and makes my want for something even stronger.. I eventually caught the eye of some legendary queens and party promoters who put me to work, and 20 years later, here I am. Through my 20 years in this business I’ve ran the entertainment for more establishments than probably any other queen ever in the Atlanta scene. I’ve ran 4 different bars/clubs and at one point, i was running 2 simultaneously with about 30 queens under my belt, and had my hands in about 9 events a week. Currently I’m the entertainment director for Atlanta’s newest lgbtq venue, Future. Future is a dance club downstairs with a drag cabaret/restaurant upstairs and is the home of my “Fantasy Girls” cabaret show, which I created and have been producing for over a decade. “Fantasy Girls” is a diverse drag show with something for everyone, and stars some of the best queens in the south, every Friday and Saturday night. Years ago I also decided to start “Phoenix Entertainment.” Basically it’s a production company that produces drag shows and events all over the country as well as provides queens, djs, dancers, bartenders, specialty acts, and pretty much any kind of night life necessity to private and corporate events, also to tv/film/commercials. I started “Phoenix Entertainment” because drag has become extremely mainstream and I was constantly being contacted for random events in need of performers, so it was the natural next step.
I’m extremely proud of the work I’ve accomplished through out my career. I’ve been featured on film, tv, in books and magazines, and most popular on Rupauls Drag Race. I’ve also created, starred in and produced some of the most popular drag shows in the city of Atlanta. I’ve made sure to treat this art like a business and i teach the up and coming entertainers too treat it the same. This mind set is why I believe I’ve been successful and have the respect of bar owners, promoters, and other entertainers around the country. My goal was to make sure after I’ve retired from performing that my name, what I’ve created and my hard work will live on.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Atlanta has so much to offer! I love the Georgia Aquarium for a chill, enjoyable day. Piedmont Park is always beautiful no matter what the season. My family is from up near Lake Lanier, so that’s always a nice spot to take people. The belt line has so many great spots to eat at, and out on a patio is definite plus!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Hard work and determination

Instagram: Phoenix_atl

Twitter: Phoenix_atl

Facebook: Phoenix_atl

Other: To get tickets/table reservations for “Fantasy Girls” at Future. Go to www.future-atlanta.com

Image Credits
Photo credits: just Toby Photo credits: Leo Satkovich

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