Local Drag Performers Find Home at Madame Sherri's

Right in Railroad Square in downtown Keene, Madame Sherri's Restaurant and Cabaret is quickly becoming more than just a nightlife destination — it's a cultural hub where drag, burlesque, music and comedy collide. With its elegant booths, vintage-meets-modern ambiance and welcoming dance floor, Madame Sherri's offers an experience that's as bold and glamorous as its namesake. Named after the legendary Madame Antoinette Sherri — famous for her extravagant Prohibition-era parties in Chesterfield — this venue honors her eccentric spirit while building a new legacy centered on community, inclusivity and queer artistry. Madame Sherri's is not just another club; it's a cornerstone of Keene's growing LGBTQ+ scene. Co-owned by Paulee Mekdeci, a gender-fluid drag performer known as Miss Ginger Soulless, the venue has become a safe and joyful space for drag artists to thrive, experiment and connect with audiences. Mekdeci, along with co-owners Adam Toepfer and Patrick Brown, has made it their mission to cultivate local talent and create opportunities for queer performers in a region that has historically lacked dedicated LGBTQ+ spaces. Toepfer, a Keene native who returned after 16 years in New York's entertainment and nightlife industry, recognized the need for a space like Madame Sherri's. His work with Keene Pride and passion for community-building have helped put the city on the map as a welcoming place for queer expression. As a result, Keene is seeing a steady rise in local drag performers, many of whom now find a stage and a supportive family at Madame Sherri's. Some of their fun drag events coming up are: Where Are We? A Kelly Mantle Cabaret Friday, Sept. 19 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $30 to $55 Star of RuPaul's Drag Race and The Kelly Mantle Show, Kelly Mantle brings a night of biting comedy, sultry live vocals and unpredictable storytelling. A one-woman cabaret that blends pop hits with dark humor — don't miss this intimate, star-studded experience. Quiz Queens: All Pop Culture Trivia Night Tuesday, Sept. 24 at 7 p.m. Free admission Join Miss Ginger Soulless and Colleen Soulless for a hilarious night of trivia, shade and prizes. Whether you know your Golden Girls or Game of Thrones, bring your team and test your knowledge of pop culture past and present. Club Vampire: A Drag Burlesque Dance Party Saturday, Oct. 4, doors open at 6:30 p.m., show starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door; $30 VIP Step into the shadows with Club Vampire, an electrifying drag and burlesque show celebrating your favorite creatures of the night. Inspired by "Dracula," "What We Do in the Shadows," "Interview with the Vampire" and more, the show features iconic performers from across New England starring: Vin U Endo, Mars Quasar, The Vampire LeSlut, Luke Laroe, Riot Romero, Slick O'Connell, Thorn, Page Turnhaa and Them Brulee. Go-go dancing by Leda Valentina. Produced by Curious Collective Arts. Costumes are encouraged and a dance party will follow the show. VIP tickets include front-row seating, a swag bag and a raffle entry for a special lap dance by a cast member. Madame Sherri's is located at 82 Main St., Keene. Hours are Tuesday through Wednesday, 5 to 11 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. Closed on Sunday and Monday. For tickets, menus and more events, visit: www.madamesherries.com.