Living in the big city, one happens across a wide variety of performers and for the past 9 years or so, I've had the pleasure to get to know a lot of them. One of my favorites is the Rev. Roger Anthony "Yolanda"
Mapes. He was a drag queen, then started singing country music as a 'boy' and in his current incarnation, he's been singing gospel/country music in drag at shows across the city - but in particular at the Duplex where he'll be this Sunday December 16th for another edition of his "Rev. Yolanda's Old Time Gospel Hour".

Roger Anthony "Yolanda" Mapes
City You Live In: Brooklyn NY
What Stripe of Artist Are You?: singer/songwriter/drag performer/ and Interfaith Minister
How To Contact You: http://www.yolanda.net
Current Project: "Rev Yolanda's Old Time Gospel Hour"
Short Bio: Born in Muscle Shoals,Alabama- living in NYC for 25 years;
Rev. Roger Anthony YOLANDA Mapes' work as an Artist and Sacred Activist
has earned him a place in The GLBT Hall Of Fame, alongside such notables as Divine, Harvey Milk, and Barney Frank.
Rev.YOLANDA is an eccentric, and ecstatic performer with a southern rock, country gospel style. He brings his message of Non Duality into every event by merging GLBT and Mainstream Popular Culture with Integrated Spirituality.
Role in a Play and/or Musical That You Can’t Wait to Play: Last summer, I was cast in an original musical written by Broadway veteran Rosemary Loar. The play was called "Spoolie Girl" and I was cast as Eddie (a cross dresser) who is Spoolie Girl's best friend.
Role in a Movie That You Will Be Perfect For When They Remake It: Cleopatra in Cleopatra ! LOL!
Favorite Compliment a Director Has Given You: "You landed the comedy with perfection "
What’s On Your Resume Under “Special Skills”?: songwriting, drag performance, tarot card reading
What Are You Currently Doing Show-wise?: I have created a musical called "Rev. Yolanda's Old Time Gospel Hour" featuring my drag Character Rev. Yolanda. It features old fashioned country gospel music and original music in the country gospel style. Its getting great reviews in NYC. Lucie Arnaz: "Full of light and love up there. Pure joy. Your band is superb." Broadway and film composer David Friedman says: "iconic, funny, loveable, and has a story to tell that is larger than life and yet touches everyone." This show is not a parody or criticism of religion. It's intention is to be heartfelt, funny, and inspirational.