Mobile
Famous for hosting Tuesday night trivia at Petra's Piano Bar, Roxy C. Moorecox is one of Charlotte's most recognizable names in drag. Originally Clay Smith from Greenville, S.C., Roxy began doing drag with a group in Atlanta called The Armorettes, which raises money for people living with HIV/AIDS. The full-time entertainer remains an advocate for the gay community; she's recently been appointed the official emcee of PRIDE Charlotte, happening in October.
Creative Loafing: Did you have other drag names in mind before choosing this one?
Roxy C. Moorecox: Roxy came from the musical Chicago, I liked that character. Not the Renee Zellwegger movie version, but I really liked the name; I thought it was fun and funky, then I just changed the spelling. C. Moorecox came from a drunken name game that a friend of mine and I played while leaving a club in Atlanta. I had signed up for this amateur drag contest and had no name. I just came up with it and it's stuck for 10 years.
Who inspires you?
I love Bette Midler; I love Carol Burnett. Those two divas, in the best sense, understood what comedy was. I love that one person can provide so many different characters.
Would you say you draw a particular crowd?
I draw sort of an older crowd. I have a more witty banter instead of vulgar — not to say I won't be bawdy, but it's not quite as crude. I like walking the line and letting the audience jump, then I'm not in trouble and I don't get fired.
When you're not entertaining, where do you like to go to be entertained?
I like going to theaters; I was just elected to the Board of Trustees at the Actor's Theatre of Charlotte. I also love a slow night at a bar; Roxy thrives on a busy night and Clay thrives on a slow night. I like sitting at a bar and all of a sudden a conversation will strike up. I'm also a people-watcher. I like to listen. Listeners are very smart people, especially if you're a listener with a good memory — that's just dangerous. I just like spending time with friends; entertainment can be found wherever you go.
Latest in Profile
-
Artist to Watch: EDTHATSMYCUP
May 4, 2020 -
Blame the Youth At Your Own Peril
Mar 1, 2017 -
How Perry Fowler Helped Transform Petra's into Plaza Midwood's Hottest New Old Club
Mar 1, 2017 - More »
More by Laura Camilo
-
Sweet and raw eco-friendly cake alternatives
Mar 5, 2014 -
To be young, broke and health-conscious
Feb 13, 2014 -
Arm bands and brew
Sep 25, 2013 - More »
Calendar
-
Aria Tuscan Grill Featuring Allegrini - Charlotte Wine + Food Week @ Aria Tuscan Grill
-
Angeline’s Featuring Sciandri Family Vineyards @ Angeline's
-
Tyler Braden - Meet & Greet Experience Upgrade @ Coyote Joe's
-
Ride The Lightning - Metallica Tribute Band @ Amos' Southend -
Ross Lynch & Rocky Lynch present The Driver Era: Live On Tour @ N.C. Music Factory
-
Darian La Sparrow Takes an Unconventional Route to the Soul
Bedroom Brilliance
-
The night Dickey Betts broke my guitar 7
All the while, Gregg Allman sat face down in mashed potatoes
-
Justin Fedor's tribute shows benefit Levine Children's Hospital
Charlotte musician's concert series takes place at the Neighborhood Theatre
