Bev Rage and the Drinks revive punk rock attitude towards queerness
Bev Rage and The Drinks are a notable band set to take the stage at the Edgewater Music Fest on September 5, bringing their unique blend of punk music and drag performance to the North Stage. This band, declared the best punk band in Chicago by the Chicago Reader in 2024, is known for its loud, post-punk, pop-rock sound, with Beverly Rage as the singer, guitarist, and main songwriter.
The band has been making waves in the Chicago music scene for nearly a decade, starting back in 2016 and playing various stages in the city and beyond. What sets Bev Rage and The Drinks apart is their fusion of drag performance with punk music, a combination that Beverly Rage herself sees as rooted in protest and anti-authoritarian spirit. Inspired by powerful female musicians, she honors them through her drag performances.
Born in a small town near Canton, Ohio, Beverly Rage picked up the guitar at the age of 15 and was drawn to the punk scene in Cleveland before eventually moving to Chicago in 2008. Immersing herself in the city’s vibrant music scene, she began to develop her own style of alternative drag, which ultimately led to the creation of Bev Rage and The Drinks.
While some may consider drag and punk as disparate worlds, Beverly Rage believes that both are avenues for expressing defiance and challenging societal norms. With every album release, the band undergoes a complete evolution, constantly pushing the boundaries of their creativity and stage presence. For Beverly Rage, being a musician and a drag queen is not mutually exclusive, but a potent combination that allows her to showcase her artistry and deliver a powerful message.
In a time when anti-drag legislation is on the rise, Beverly Rage emphasizes the importance of standing up for queer visibility and inclusivity. Despite the challenges of performing in small towns or conservative states, she remains committed to creating a safe and empowering space for queer individuals through her music and drag performances.
As Bev Rage and The Drinks gear up for the Edgewater Music Fest, fans can expect a high-energy show filled with the raw intensity of punk music and the theatrics of drag performance. With a new album on the horizon, the band is set to debut unreleased songs at the festival, offering audiences a glimpse into their evolving sound and style.
For Beverly Rage, the stage is where she feels most empowered and unapologetically herself. With two new singles already released and an upcoming Audiotree session in the works, Bev Rage and The Drinks show no signs of slowing down. Through their music and performances, they continue to challenge norms, celebrate queerness, and inspire others to embrace their true selves.