Lady Rizo

I had an amazing time last Friday night. I had nothing planned except to go out with a group of my usual friends. But then, our friend Brad told us that he was going to surprise us by taking us out somewhere new. We we’re given no details of our plans for the evening. After meeting up at my apartment and sharing a few bottles of champagne, we made our way to Joe’s Pub. Unlike its name, Joe’s Pub was anything but ordinary. It’s a dark, chic, intimate lounge with tables and couches gathered around a hefty stage. After settling at a table just to the left of the stage, Brad informed us that we were there to see the remarkably fabulous Lady Rizo perform. Lady WHO??? Of course, we had never heard of Lady Rizo before… But let me tell you, her performance was nothing short of extraordinary!

Lady Rizo is this amazing comedian/vocalist, with stylishly over-the-top ensembles and the biggest fake lashes I’ve ever seen (which is saying a lot!)! She was sort of a Barbara Streisand meets Kathy Griffin meets Lady Gaga! Throughout her performance, she would change outfits every few numbers (Of course, any true diva would!) The best part is that each time, she asked an audience member to come up on stage and help her change behind the changing partition. The lights would dim, with a spotlight on the curtain so that all the audience could see is the shadows of Rizo and the chosen audience member. As she changed in the dark, she would ask the audience member several questions to keep the momentum of the show alive. Guess who she chose to pull up on stage!?!? Of course, non-other than yours truly! Then in front of a crowded audience of strangers she asked me a number of embarrassing questions, including several about how I lost my virginity! On the bright side, for being such a good sport, she gave me free tickets to come see her next show and invited me and my posse to attend her after-party. Miss Rizo and her entourage were quite an entertaining group of people. I have to say that Friday night was one of the best, most fun nights out I’ve had in New York City. Definitely if you have the opportunity, you must go see Lady Rizo perform! You can check her out at www.ladyrizoandtheassettes.com/ or find her on facebook- just search “Lady Rizo”.