Qmmunity: Butch County Says Bye for Now
Lead singer and founder Katy Koonce talks the queer rock group’s history
By James Scott, Fri., Nov. 22, 2024
Live music is what defines Austin – even more so than barbecue, Bird scooter piles, or grackles – so it figures this place sprouted a foundational queer rock group that’s all about melting face in the meatspace. Butch County has brought signature “silicone cock” rock to Bat City since 2007, but at Cheer Up Charlies this Saturday, Nov. 23, they’re retiring the faux phallus – at least for right now.
Slowing the rock & roll was a deliberate choice, as Butch County founding member Katy Koonce explains. Her main inspiration was Detroit rockers KISS’s four-year “farewell” tour. A self-described “humongous KISS fan,” Koonce says that BC’s own farewell extravaganza is much the same. “What we wanted to say is, it’s maybe not over forever,” she says. “It’s over for now, because our amazingly talented band members are in so many other great bands.”
BC’s membership over its years in play is a rotating lineup of local hotshots, from Girls in the Nose’s Lisa Wickware on guitar to its current bassist Erin Walter of Parker Woodland. In recalling their history, lead singer Koonce says, “We’re like the opposite of Spinal Tap – over the years, we’ve had a few different bass players and guitarists, but the drummer has always been the same.” Also a Parker Woodland player, drummer Keri Cinquina was a particular get in Koonce’s memory. “I had seen Keri play with Meg Hentges back in the day,” she explains. “and I had been trying to track her down for a while, so it felt like fate.”
Perhaps fitting given previous KISS mentions, but Koonce considers fellow classic rockers AC/DC as BC’s “greatest influence.” Describing her own performance style as a mix of David Lee Roth and Bette Midler, the singer recalls Butch County being named by other local artists as an inspiration in its own right. Even Julie Nolen, current curator of the Pearlsnap Music Group and queer country fest OUTlaw Pride, calls Koonce the first butch lead singer she ever saw outside of Melissa Etheridge. Avant-garde drag artist Christeene, aka Paul Soileau, also relayed to Koonce once that “he was inspired by my ability to channel anger onstage and bring that fire in the belly to the people.”
Since its origin in Koonce’s solo writing and playing, Butch County’s trekked around the nation delivering high-quality queer rock. Among their many performances, Koonce recalls fondly a 2011 performance at San Francisco Pride: “It was a glorious feeling to stand on such a huge stage; there were just people as far as my eyes could see,” she says. “I remember standing on the edge of the stage with my arms spread wide and just breathing in the energy.” Koonce also shouts out local fallen brother (gender neutral) GayBiGayGay, which used to light up the extremely straight unofficial South By lineup with a little queer swag. Being able to perform at venues and festivals where so much support existed was a blessing Koonce seems more than happy to have gotten.
“It felt like we won the lottery,” she says.
Friendshiping: A Queer Variety Show
Friday 22, Cheer Up Charlies
Rescheduled due to a drizzle, Feral Friends Association brings chummy cheer with comedy, music, and other performances all inspired by friendship.
Neon Rainbows: Cuntry Club
Friday 22, Cheer Up Charlies
Saddle up for queery country sounds from DJ Boi Orbison. Brigitte Bandit hosts a barn-burner drag show as well, so be there or be forced to square-dance solo.
Pride on the Preserve: Gay for Trees
Saturday 23, Medway Tract
Local ATX partners up with Travis County Balcones Canyonlands Preserve for an event that’ll grow your green thumb. Attendees will learn tree-planting basics, take an off-trail walk, and get plenty of hands-on involvement with our local flora.
A Night of 1,000 p1nkstars
Saturday 23, Cheer Up Charlies
She’s back! Electronica princess p1nkstar celebrates her 30th birthday with drag, a costume contest, and – no duh – hot DJ sets. Come to tribute a true Texas icon; stay for a special Lone Star appearance from NYC’s House of Bushwig.
Drag Queen Story Half-Hour
Saturday 23, the Rosette
Extragrams hosts a sweet reading time with Lawrie Bird reading a classic tale from the Hundred Acre Wood. Kiddos will hear Winnie-the-Pooh: Pooh Goes Visiting with original music accompaniment written by Alex Molina Shawver and performed by Cover to Cover Quintet. Plus: kid-friendly drag performances.
Friendsgiving
Saturday 23, RSVP for location
Queer Black event organizers ATX Choclit LGBT hosts a feast of friendship, where attendees must bring their fave T-Day side to share and wear their silkiest pajamas. Meats are covered by the host, and ATX Choclit promises that “A feast and a time will be had!”
Spanksgiving
Saturday 23, Stateside at the Paramount
Local burlesque performers take the stage to bring, in their own words, “local, free range, and gluten-free breasts and thighs to your holiday table.” Bring your appetite for the erotic and, oh yeah, cash for tipping.
Dirty Dynasty Bingo: One-Year Anniversary
Sunday 24, Oilcan Harry’s
Cupcake and Lady Grackle celebrate a full year hosting this boisterous bright light of a bingo night, with huge prizes that include a new flat-screen TV. Of course, you’re also encouraged to come for the laughs and love but the fabo prizes on offer never hurt.
Soft Serve
Sunday 24, Cheer Up Charlies
Gothess Jasmine and BabiBoi bring the sweet slow jams of hip-hop and R&B, with special performances this Sunday from Nicotine Daminia Divine, and Guy Peña.
Shop Small Sunday
Sunday 24, Central Machine Works
Get your holiday shopping done early, or find a little treat for yourself at Eastside Pop Up’s artisan, maker, and vintage market. This time they’ve also brought along Final Frontier Rescue Project, who’ll have precious pups available for adoption.
Queer Four Square
Sunday 24, Alamo Pocket Park Pavilion
Get your ball on with fellow queers at this four square event. They’ll be out there rain or shine – because the squares are covered, babe!
Divina
Wednesday 27, Oilcan Harry’s
Y’all heard the good news? Tatiana Cholula’s drag celebration of Latinx culture and talent in Austin is a weekly event – giving Wednesday a little more umph that’ll have you rethinking its “hump day” moniker. Possible new name: Divina Day.
