Joey Arias

Joey Arias is a New York City based performance artist, cabaret singer, and drag artist. Born in Fayetteville, North Carolina on October 3, 1949, he was six when he moved with his family to Los Angeles. After singing with the rock band "Purlie" on Capitol Records and a stint with famed improvisational group the Groundlings, he moved to New York City in the mid-70s and eventually got a job at the Fiorucci designer clothing store. He became friends... more

Joey Arias is a New York City based performance artist, cabaret singer, and drag artist. Born in Fayetteville, North Carolina on October 3, 1949, he was six when he moved with his family to Los Angeles. After singing with the rock band "Purlie" on Capitol Records and a stint with famed improvisational group the Groundlings, he moved to New York City in the mid-70s and eventually got a job at the Fiorucci designer clothing store. He became friends with alternative icon Klaus Nomi, singing backup and designing sets and costumes. Arias, who is openly gay, gradually became involved in the burgeoning 1980s New York performance art scene, appearing regularly at Club 57 and other downtown venues. During these years he also began crafting a successful career in cabaret, based on his talent for channeling the vocal style and mannerisms of the legendary Billie Holiday. He has since recorded several albums and pursued an international nightclub career. Arias is also notable for his portrayal of... less