Ladysmith’s epic lip-sync battle is back and more outrageous than ever.
Outrageous Evening returns Saturday, April 5 at Aggie Hall, serving up a mix of performance, comedy, magic and community spirit. Organized by the Ladysmith Downtown Business Association (LDBA), the annual event has become one of the town’s most anticipated celebrations and packs the house every year.
For the uninitiated, lip-syncing involves performing live to a song but miming the words instead of singing. From belting it out into a hairbrush at home, to high school airband competitions, to contestants "lip-syncing for their lives" on RuPaul’s Drag Race, lipsync performances often include dance, comedy, stunts and exaggerated emotion to entertain a crowd.
For organizer Brianne Mactier, the best part of Outrageous Evening is right there in the name.
“It's outrageous!” said Mactier who is president of the LDBA and co-host of the event alongside Tylor Nelson. “It's such a fun-filled evening and I think people are really surprised by the production value. We put a lot into organizing, and the performers put a lot into their acts.”
The popular community event made its debut in 2011, captivating the crowd with its blend of humour, talent and community spirit.
After a hiatus, the event roared back to life in 2023 and featured fierce competition among local lip-syncers and a halftime drag show by Flannery Pajamas.
The momentum continued in 2024 when seven teams delivered performances that had the sold-out crowd jumping. The competition was so intense that it ended in a tie between two groups from Motus Fitness, both receiving perfect scores. Runners-up included performers from Old Town Bakery/Wild Poppy, who dazzled with a Dirty Dancing mash-up.
This year's Outrageous Evening promises to be just as exciting, with a few new surprises in store. Attendees can look forward to lip-sync performances, stand-up comedian Tamara Paulin, magic by Joseph the Jester, a bar operated by the Ladysmith Kinsmen and delicious food offerings.
Guests are encouraged to come dressed in their most outrageous outfits for a chance to win prizes.
Funds raised from the event support local initiatives, with proceeds split between the LDBA and a local non-profit.
“Every year we give half of the proceeds to another non-profit,” Mactier explained. “This year it’s LaFF — Ladysmith Family and Friends.”
Ready to strut your stuff and show Ladysmith how it’s done with an outrageous performance of your own? Register to participate using the sign up form.
Outrageous Evening happens Saturday, April 5 at Aggie Hall, 1110 1st Ave. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show kicks off at 7 p.m.
Tickets are on sale now on Eventbrite.
