What a Drag

MyWebTimes.com – Dan Churney

Ottawa – By day, Derek Buckley of Oglesby is a hair stylist in Peru.

However, one night per month a block away from Ottawa’s main drag, he goes into drag, transforming himself into “Davina Divine” at Court Street Cabaret.

“I like to bill myself as the premier female impersonator in the Illinois Valley. Of course, I’m the only one!” said Buckley.

The 31-year-old Buckley is set to wow ’em Sunday night at the Cabaret, 616 Court St., with a show built around the songs of late blues legend Billie Holiday.

During his last show a few weeks ago, Buckley was at the other end of the musical spectrum — the works of Swedish’70s pop group ABBA.

Attired in wig, calf-hugging boots and a glittering mini-dress, Buckley started by belting out a crowd-pleasing “Dancing Queen” — given the circumstances, an appropriate and deliberate choice.

“Don’t I look fabulous?!” Buckley asked his predominately female audience after finishing the song, to which many ladies responded with laughs and claps.