By Ronnie Vanna

The dynamic duo of promoter Scott Cramer and DJ Greg Haus are at it again with Stardust, their Thursday night event at Berlin. They brought the bold Amanda Lepore to town in October and then the raucous Cazwell in November. Now they are kicking off the holiday season with a December 18th presentation of the one and only Queen of Song Parodies, Jackie Beat!

Who is Jackie Beat you ask? Well, Jackie Beat is the drag alter ego of actor, singer, songwriter and screenwriter Kent Fuher. As well, Jackie is lead singer for the electro band Dirty Sanchez and featured columnist for IN:Los Angeles Magazine, one of the most widely read LGBT publications in the country.

Taking a few moments from her sold-out Christmas tour, Jackie recently answered a few of my questions for BOI.

BOI: Jackie, for those not in the "know," how did you get your start?
JACKIE BEAT: Well, I think like many gay men I did drag on Halloween. It just so happened that I looked great! Add to that the fact that I could say just about anything and get away with it and A STAR IS BORN, honey!

BOI: Tell us about your Christmas tour.
JACKIE BEAT: It's my favorite time of the year -- because I make tons of money! Seriously, as a queen who does song parodies, there is nothing more fun than taking the most reverent and heartfelt songs and turning them into the most sick and twisted, perverted songs you have ever heard!

BOI: Have you ever gotten any flack from artists for doing their songs?
JACKIE BEAT: No, but their fans can be a bit crazy! I have written horribly mean-spirited songs about Jesus Christ and George W. Bush, but if you make fun of Britney Spears -- watch out! I actually got death threats!

BOI: You are so musically inclined; what's the latest dish on Dirty Sanchez?
JACKIE BEAT: We have some great new songs coming out, including our new single "Give Head & Be Beautiful" -- which came to me in a dream! It's all about how it doesn't really matter how much you weigh or what you look like -- when you are between someone's legs, making them very happy, you are the most gorgeous person in the world! The music video is amazing and will be out soon! Some on our new stuff is really different -- very ethereal and moody. You can hear "Give Head", plus another new one called "Drive", on www.MySpace.com/DirtySanchezLA

BOI: I have to askwhat are your thoughts on the election?
JACKIE BEAT: I'm thrilled, but now the real work begins. Poor Obama has so much crap to clean up! I really hope people will cut him some slack and be patient. It's sad that we have a great new DEMOCRATIC president, but Prop 8 passed. I guess the lies about gay marriage being taught in public schools really scared some people!

BOI: Jackie, thank you and I can't wait to see you on December 18th at Berlin.
For more info on Jackie Beat visit her at www.jackiebeatrules.com or www.myspace.com/jackiebeatrules, tell her Ronnie sent ya!!!!

Editor's Note: Ronnie Vanna periodically writes entertainment features for BOI Magazine. Check her out at www.myspace.com/mzronnie25 and at www.youtube.com/chitownRonnie