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 1999, Arnaldo started a solo cabaret show to sold out runs in Seattle’s trendy Capitol Hill and has since performed his one person cabaret in Portland, OR, Las Vegas, Palm Springs, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, New York and Philadelphia. 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. 2007 marked Arnaldo’s New York cabaret debut and in 2008, Arnaldo is honored with a NY Backstage Bistro Award .
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 divaâ€, 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 shows in Seattle.
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
WHO I'D LIKE TO MEET:
People who are artistic, funny, passionate, kind, compassionate, adventurous ... anyone who has an open heart and an open mind ...
MY INTERESTS:
Cabarets; theatre; music; gardening; my partner Steve who is an incredible artist and human being; my family; cooking; dinner parties; manhattans; wine; travel ...
MY HEROES:
my mom & dad; my family who are immigrants; my friends who are extremely loyal and open-minded; performers who are passionate to be onstage and share their talents to the world; anyone who makes a difference ... You are my heroes ... .
MY VIDEOS:
"SOMETHING COOL" @ 2005 Cabaret Conference at Yale Recital
MORE videos of Arnaldo!:
"Hymne a L'amour"
"No Moon At All"
"City Lights"
"Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered"
"It's All Greek To Me"
"She's Got You"
"Something Cool"
