For South Florida's queer community, the name Yoko Oso has become synonymous with boundary-pushing drag artistry. But on Aug. 17, the local performer will bid farewell to the nightlife scene with a special one-night-only show, “The Farewell Show,” marking a new chapter in her creative journey.
After years of captivating audiences with her avant-garde style and theatrical flair, Oso is transitioning away from the bar and club circuit to focus on more stage-based and cinematic projects.
“I feel like I want to have an audience that really just has more of a deepened appreciation for the art form and the craft, just for culture in general,” Oso said.
With a background in fine arts and a passion for merging performance with visual aesthetics, Oso is eager to explore new avenues that allow her to challenge audiences and delve deeper into the craft of storytelling. This farewell performance promises to be a bittersweet celebration of Oso's contributions to the local queer arts scene and a glimpse into the exciting possibilities that lie ahead.
“I have some film projects lined up with friends that we're just working on. I think in terms of drag, I would love to do some cabarets. I want to do a solo show,” Oso said. “I'm trying to work with a vocal coach to get my voice to a place where I have that sound I'm looking for in terms of somewhere between musical theater and like cabaret. I'm just trying to find spaces where it's a little more, like, even if it is a little more on the nightlife side, it's not particularly the kind of venues I've been doing in the past four years.”
Oso was named Best Drag Performer by the Miami New Times for 2024 where they described her as “a queen who can do it all.”
The night is billed as a medley of songs and stories throughout her career, with some special guests. Guests are encouraged to bring a eulogy or a song if they wish to give their well wishes to Oso.
The dress code will be strictly enforced as all black, with available tickets priced at $20 online and $30 at the door.
The show will be held at Hair Circus, located at 501 SW 2nd Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. Doors open at 7 p.m., show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets available at https://shotgun.live/events/yoko-oso-the-farewell-show
