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About Me Arnaldo! started as a soloist with the Seattle Men’s Chorus and has performed with SMC in some of the major concert halls in the US, Europe, New Zealand and Australia. In 1995, Arnaldo started a group called Cabaret Q where the “drag chanteuse” persona began. In 1999, Arnaldo! began his solo cabaret shows in Seattle’s Capitol Hill and has since performed his one person cabaret in Portland, Las Vegas, Palm Springs, Puerto Vallarta and New York. Arnaldo! has also collaborated with various directors, choreographers and songwriters in the Seattle area. In 2005, he completed the Cabaret Summer Conference Workshop at Yale University. In 2006, a group of cabaret performers spearheaded by Arnaldo! started the Pacific Northwest Cabaret Association and continues to organize “March is Cabaret Month” featuring local and visiting artists. 2007 marked Arnaldo!’s New York cabaret debut and in 2008, Arnaldo is honored with a New York Backstage Bistro Award. Seattle Mens Chorus Spotlight on Arnaldo! A Closer Look at Arnaldo! Read the Seattle Gay News (SGN) article on Arnaldo!

What is a drag chanteuse?

When I started performing in drag, I was not sure what to call what I do.  I am performing in drag and not lip-synching – so being a “drag queen” does not describe what I really do.  Others suggested using “drag diva”, but my persona is more subtle and intimate.  So in 1996, I decided to combine the words “drag” and “chanteuse” after my name.  The “!” came when a friend suggested that I add that as a joke … well it stuck!  I then performed for various fundraisers and smaller cabarets; and in 1999, I started my one person cabaret show series to – unexpectedly - sold out crowds.

Why am I a drag chanteuse?

The drag aspect of my performance all happened by chance.  And now for me, performing in drag is the theatrical element of my cabarets.  I have many women singers I admire and I of course perform their repertoire. I also do not imitate them and at most, I emulate these women I admire by arranging my songs to do renditions out of my own vocal styling.