After a lively sold-out drag brunch at Bambino’s in Vallejo last month, two local drag queens are eager to show what they’re made of and the positive environment they can create through their performance. Now, the organizers are hard at work to put together another show for July.

The co-founders of Free Music Collective (FMC), Justin Calonia and Jeremy “Remy” Smith-Batha, started FMC with a goal of highlighting Vallejo musical artists. The June drag brunch was FMC’s first introduction into the world of drag.

When co-owner of Bambino’s, Ismael Palacio, approached them to coordinate a drag brunch to the restaurant, Smith-Batha says it was the push they needed. “The staff at Bambino’s couldn’t be more inviting and amazing and accommodating,” adds Calonia.

FMC enlisted the expertise of local drag queens MissCherryLane and Sadie C. Sparkles. Although Bambino’s hosted after hours drag shows in the past, MissCherryLane and Sadie C. Sparkles hosted their first official drag brunch back in June and will host the upcoming event in July as well.

The two performers have long shared a love of drag. MissCherryLane started performing in 2004 and eight years ago Sadie C. Sparkles hit the stage as well. Outside of the glamour of drag, the two have been together for the last ten years, supporting each other in their drag journeys and helping one another feel confident to explore their passion for the unique art form.

Sadie C. Sparkles says she approached the first drag brunch back in June as a chance to put her best foot forward, in case it was a one time thing. She remembers the event’s ticket sales slowly growing and growing until on the day before, she got word that the brunch had sold out. 100 tickets sold in total.

Selling out the event came as such a shock, so much that the morning of the brunch, Sadie C. Sparkles went through counting all the seats to make sure they had enough, she recollects through laughter.

Now that the drag brunch was picked up for a second month in a row, Sadie C. Sparkles says she feels a responsibility to provide a positive space for the queer community in Vallejo.

“We’re hard working and want to give back to the community as much as I can,” said MissCherryLane.

For Smith-Batha and Calonia with FMC, putting on the drag brunch at Bambino’s helps them further their professional goal of highlighting Vallejo performers.

“This is entertainment, you know what I mean? And we want there to be more safe spaces that represent the whole community, not just certain parts,” said Smith-Batha. “There are way too many backgrounds and experiences in Vallejo not to offer this.”

The drag brunch at Bambino’s also gives FMC a chance to showcase a positive side of Vallejo to a new audience. According to data collected by Calonia at the June brunch, 80 percent of attendees weren’t from Vallejo.

A lot of drag audiences, often bachelorette party attendees and birthday bash celebrators, are more likely to attend an event like this in the day and within driving distance of their home, says Sadie C. Sparkles.

In addition, Vallejo’s location between San Francisco and Sacramento means a lot of commuters are left with a long drive to find good entertainment, but not anymore, says Calonia. “There’s definitely a need and a want for it.”

After a successful first drag brunch in June and another one less than a month away, the organizers and drag queen hosts hope that the event can continue as long as there’s demand in the community. “The actions are telling us this is something that they need,” says Sadie C. Sparkles. With events like this, she adds, “if you want it, you have to support it.”

A month out from the July brunch, tickets were already halfway sold.

WHAT: Bambino’s Drag Brunch

WHEN: July 27, 10 a.m. — 1 p.m.

WHERE: Bambino’s Vallejo, 301 Georgia St., Vallejo