If you were like me and had been wondering how long you’d have to wait before nightlife personalities and creative kindred spirits Jeza Belle and Ike Avelli joined forces, the anticipation finally became a reality on Saturday, June 20th with the first (and hopefully NOT last!) installation of HATED RIVALRY, a variety show which not only broke every established rule but seemingly also found a few new ones to break as well…

Who is Jeza Belle?  Jeza Belle is an over-the-top, unapologetically bawdy performer with a larger-than-life stage presence and an impressive resume of original material. Who is Ike Avelli? Ike Avelli is (Drumroll please…!) an over-the-top, unapologetically bawdy performer with a larger-than-life stage presence and an impressive resume of original material. Needless to say, the two of them were destined to eventually combine their idiosyncratic forces on stage, and the result was HATED RIVALRY.  From the moment the pair emerged onto the stage of the envied performance space of New York City’s famous Copacabana, they made quite a sight to behold: The Rowdy Red Queen and The Raunchy Rhinestone Cowboy. Would Mr. Avelli’s libido turn out to be bigger than Jeza’s hair?  (Sorry to get so familiar so quickly, but “Ms. Belle” just doesn’t seem right when describing Jeza!) True to the show’s name, the two frenemies had no shortage of verbal torpedoes to hurl at each other, weaving the insults into their high-spirited duet kickoff: a folk-rock/country-influenced foot tapper which really got their fans “in the mood”: “Just sip that wine, have a really good time, and listen to a country song!”  New fans of Jeza Belle learned, as dedicated fans like me already knew, that the diva has an affinity for country music.  One of her most beloved parodies is a song called 9 Not 5, a delicious spoof of Ms. Parton’s megahit.  Jeza’s version celebrates the joy of, shall we say, more “gifted men”– something else our Jeza has an affinity for (!).

Following the reliable formula that made Ike Avelli’s previous live shows the talk of the town, HATED RIVALRY featured exclusive custom-made cocktails at the bar, short films, naughty song parodies, original music, comedy, special guest performers, and an audience participation number– specifically, a “Dance Joke-Off”! (Insert giggle here…)  So… The Copa got to hear Jeza and Ike team up for a scatological version of ABBA’s Waterloo called (Get ready…) Watery Poo (!), and got to hear Ike’s deliciously demented 50 Ways to Kill My Boyfriend, in which the audience was given lyric cards so that they could sing along.  HATED RIVALRY was bolstered by the appearances from Jeza’s and Ike’s circle of friends: So, boozy chanteuse MargOH! Channing made an appearance via video.  The audience was treated to the smooth, soulful vocals of gifted singer Chester.  Chester gave the crowd his take on Random Black Girl from Kooman & Dimond, changing the lyrics to Random Black BOY.  It was an audience-pleaser for sure.  Attendees also enjoyed the spiritually uplifting, always reliable musical charms of Tym Moss: Just when you were hoping that Chester and Tym would combine forces, it became a not-so-hated reality: Their chosen song was Get Happy by Barbra and Judy (Could it get any gayer than that?!  Well, this WAS LGBTQ Pride Month after all.). In a sexy surprise, attendees of the Copacabana were titillated by a performance by superhot burlesque performer Zaya! (Let’s hope we see MORE– in every sense of the word– of this performer again really soon!) Best of all, the audience that evening were the first to enjoy a brand-new LGBTQ dance anthem just waiting to become a dancefloor classic– but more about that later…

In a show with unabashed wackiness for 70 minutes straight, there was indeed a poignant moment and a reminder of the “reason for the season”!   The said poignant moment came when singer Chester paid musical tribute to LGBTQ trailblazers Marsha P. Johnson, Audre Lorde, Harvey Milk, and Matthew Shepard.  Once again, it was another welcome and crowd-pleasing moment. 

So, while we are on the subject: How about that new LGBTQ pride song?  In what’s destined to be the longest lasting legacy of HATED RIVALRY, Jeza and Ike performed Proud & Free, produced and with music written by DJ Shan.  Deservedly ready to become a new LGBTQ anthem, you can listen to and download the high-energy party tune/future hit on Amazon and other sites!

As talented as these performers are, no amount of acting talent can convince anyone that they actually have any rivalry, hated or otherwise!

Ike Avelli will next join forces with multi-divanate singer Dorothy Bishop at New York City’s Copacabana on Saturday, August 15th for another high-energy, nostalgic, and comedic variety show that revisits the sights, sounds, and all of the great things surrounding everyone’s favorite decade, THE 80’s!! As in Ike’s previous shows, there will be an audience Participation/Special Giveaways as the crowd get “Into The Groove” with a Madonna Dance Off!  Dress in your favorite 80s attire!  Get tickets and more information here: Desperately Seeking The 80s 2026 | ikeavelli.

As some of you may already know, Jeza Belle is also a prolific author.  Jeza will bring her friend MargOH! Channing tp the Purple Couch Bookshop in North Andover, MA on Friday, July 31st to banter, discuss the importance of drag in today’s social climate, and celebrate the release of Jeza’s newest book, Secrets in the Tallgrass. Jeza & MargOH! will be in conversation with Bookstagrammer and friend of the store Colby Daniel. Tickets are free, and registered guests will receive 10% off the book.  Make reservations and see more info here: Jeza Belle – Secrets in the Tallgrass Tickets, Friday, July 31  •  7 PM – 8 PM | Eventbrite