My rare trip out as April in the daylight and doing my job was a great confidence boost even though I didn't find Mr. Buick's grave.
I high tailed it back to the hotel and changed quickly into guy mode and returned to film more of the hot rod show at Cobo Hall, specifically some of the rockabilly bands playing
and the Miss Autorama pageant. Not yo
ur usual bikini car show rather a rockabilly/kustom kulture/burlesque inspired beauty contest.
Professional hair and makeup artists specializing in the fifties pin up girl look so popular in the kustom life style were on hand to help any contestants who wanted it. I captured some of the preparations on film for television and some still images for the article. Jealous certainly but more in the dysphoria way than any wish to be on stage. To say that the contest was popular was an understatement, I had to fight my way to the front through a sea of guys to get the camera set up.
The girls both professional and amateur did a great job, looks weren't everything as they were also judged on fashion and appreciation of the rockabilly ethos. Each had to name their favourite car, god forbid anyone mentioned a muscle car (as opposed to a chopped Merc or deuce coupe). Two professional models from the more mainstream part of the show upstairs participated and I was pleased to note both were very tall over six feet.
I finished up a little earlier than I thought so I grabbed a Greek salad at the bar just down the street from the Milner. Still having some time on my hands I decided to venture out again, this time to GiGi's. I had brought a LBD with me but was uncertain whether I would have the time or opportunity to wear it on this trip. Was I nervous leaving the hotel, walking through the lobby or down the street to retrieve my car...nope...more progress.
I had been to GiGi's before, a legendary gay club in Detroit that has a drag show and is a hangout for transgendered/transsexual girls. The club was not packed but lots of other girls were there and I had a chance to chat with quite a few of them. Like all Detroiters I met, unfailingly friendly and no matter what gender always ready to talk cars. No dancing as the music was too modern disco for my liking as you can tell from the blog my taste runs several decades older.
Sunday morning back to the show at 10:00 AM to shoot some more still images and conduct an interview for a second article I am working on. As I walked back to my car I bid farewell to the city and took one or two more shots of the skyline. I have journeyed to Las Vegas many times for car business (SEMA) and although a cool place I am more than ready to leave after five days, Detroit is different, leaving always feels different, sad, a little like leaving home.
The drive home was better too, last year I was filled with despair as I returned to a job that would never let me transition. Things are not certain at the new job but there is hope, it is up to me now.
Working on a deal to be back soon on business and maybe April full time at next years show....
Hugs,
April
Here is Jack Scott, Windsor & Detroit Rockabilly hero:
