Qmmunity: Clowning Around With Fou Fou Ha

Twenty years ago in San Francisco, Maya Lane – aka Mama Fou – started Fou Fou Ha, a clown-centric cabaret that’s since spread across the U.S. Branches formed in Los Angeles, Portland, New York, and our fair Bat City, where this Friday the Austin-area Fou Fou Ha throws their 24 Carrot Show at Kick Butt Coffee.

Current FFH member and producer on the 1-800-Clown-Town drag show Clussy Fou called the clowning troupe’s migration to ATX the result of a “neon dream.” Drawn to places “where the soil is electric,” Clussy described this Texas blueberry as a “beautifully unhinged city” that showcased the rare phenomenon “where absurdity is worshipped here.”

“Austin understands the cosmic joke,” Clussy explained in our email interview, “[that] revolution is deep in recklessness.”

However, not even the cosmic joke survived the 2020 COVID-19 spread without a scratch. In the five years since, Fou Fou Ha has been regaining their silly strength in order to continue their troupe’s mission. Each show’s revenue goes toward “spaces where people can take off their masks or put new ones on,” Clussy said. “We will expand the gospel with collaborations to those who need a reminder that play is an essential human act. We will grow the next generation of Fous and its lineage. We are investing in more doorways to the surreal, more places where the rules are bent, & issuing more permission slips to get lost, explore, and find your inner fool.”

To become a Fou, one must be “a shapeshifter, a minister of mayhem, a trickster with a excruciatingly open heart,” Clussy said. “They understand that masks do not hide, they reveal!” These members partake not just in clowning but also drag, burlesque, and other stage craft – all of which benefit the larger Fou Fou Ha goal of play as a basic need. “We commit fully, manically, joyfully to the moment,” Clussy added. “Turning reality upside down is our act of rebellion. Our communion is chaos.”

Those interested in taking chaotic communion will find few instances more apt than this Friday’s show, which features the Fou Fou Ha troupe as well as special guests Lucy Lonestar and Baldie Loxx worshiping that orange Umbelliferae. Described by Clussy as a “game show meets church service,” the performance defies the usual variety show story.

“A variety show gives you a lineup,” Clussy said. “We give you an initiation. This isn’t a polite parade of acts tidily arranged for consumption. It’s a living, breathing, fever dream. A Fou show does not ask you to watch ... It dares you to surrender.”

Okay, but why lift up the carrot in particular?

“Enlightenment should have a crunch.”

Eagle Trivia

Thursday 6, the Austin Eagle

Hosted by Malibu Imported, this trivia night tests your knowledge of LGBTQIA+ history and kink culture.

ATX Vogue Nights: Third Anniversary

Thursday 6, Swan Dive

Third time around the sun’s a charm, with categories from Cvnt vs. Cvnt to Shake That Ass among classics. Natalie Lepore MC’s with BabiBoi behind the decks.

TGIF: Boo’d Up Edition

Friday 7, Jackalope Southside

Pride in Black ATX hosts their First Friday party with a twist in tribute to National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, featuring tunes spun by DJ CYSUM as well as free, confidential STI testing.

Shock Therapy Presents: My Bloody Valentine

Friday 7, Elysium

Love’s over; now is the time of blood! Demonic demonstrations hosted by Munster Mash feature in this anti-Valentine’s Day drag show, with plenty to bust a vessel to.

Woke Cowboy

Saturday 8, ColdTowne Theater

Laughin’ at this hilarious stand-up hosted by Chris Bryant and Evan Rabalais is the real WOKE agenda – and it rules.

Body Mechanics

Saturday 8, 4211 Todd Lane

Fall in love with this “bizarre techno rave” during this special romantic edition of their DJ deluge. Tix are $20 with RSVP required for entry.

Bookmark and Zine Making Party

Saturday 8, Birdhouse Books and Gifts

Make subversive art with your own two hands at this crafty come-together, where all ages are welcome to express their creativity and love for books.

Campfire Queer Storytime

Sunday 9, the Vortex

Find your friends and family among the storytellers sharing their work – written, musical, and more. World Famous *BOB* hosts.

Costumes & King Cake

Sunday 9, Coco Coquette

Get all kitted out for Mardi Gras at this pop-up event featuring custom designs from local designers. Plus 10% off all wigs and an extra 50% one item for whomever gets the baby in their cake slice.

Finding Your Style with Tess Ortega

Sunday 9, Barton Creek Square

Abundant Masculinities and Tess Ortega partner for a fashion how-to for anyone looking to update their style in 2025. Only 20 spots available, so sign up quick!

Roller Rodeo Disco

Monday 10, Pins & Wheels at Playland

Neon Rainbows invites the wheel-inclined to join their “Boot Skatin’ Boogie” whether you’re paired, single, or ready to mingle. DJ Boi Orbison spins the tunes, Roxy Castillo serves stand-up, and yes – there is a costume contest. Dress code: rhinestones, cowboy hats, glitter, and a good attitude.

Feminists Do Memoirs: Geena Rocero’s Horse Barbie

Monday 10, BookWoman

Ya fave feminist bookstore digs into trans rights activist Geena Rocero’s memoir to discuss her life as a Filipina in the U.S.

LGBTQIA Quality of Life Advisory Commission Meeting

Monday 10, Permitting and Development Center Rm. 1401

Do your civic duty, girl, and show up for the commission’s monthly meeting. This month they’re talking progress on the LGBTQIA+ community center project as well as continuing Texas Lege issues.

Twerk Outs

Tuesday 11, the Future Front House

Get engaged with your body-ody-ody at this workout sesh led by Ladi Earth, featuring hands-on instruction about twerking’s ancestral roots. Pops up every Tuesday this Feb, so RSVP soon!

Galentine’s Party

Thursday 13, Volstead Lounge

Gather your girlies for a party most pink, featuring a drag showcase from the Vixens of Volstead, a Vibe City Market curated shopping experience, and tunes from DJs Celly and TJ the DJ. Plus themed drinkz.

Galentine’s Lingerie Party

Thursday 13, Swan Dive

This party’s all about the “girls, gays, leather & lace,” featuring a strict lingerie and sexy outfit dress code.