The Kinsey Sicks collection

Title: The Kinsey Sicks collection

Dates: circa 1993-2014

Collection Number: 2015-16

Creator/Collector: The Kinsey Sicks

Extent: 12.25 linear feet (5 cartons, 1 manuscript box, 2 half manuscript boxes, 1 oversize box, 3 flat file drawers)

Repository: GLBT Historical Society

Abstract: The Kinsey Sicks are a drag a cappella ensemble who bill themselves as “America’s Favorite Dragapella Beautyshop Quartet.” The collection is arranged into six series: Administrative Records; Production Materials; Press and Publicity; Photographs; Audiovisual and Optical Media; and Textiles, Memorabilia, and Ephemera.

Language of Material: English

Collection is open for research. Funding for processing this collection was provided by the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC).

[Identification of item]. The Kinsey Sicks collection. Collection Number: 2015-16. GLBT Historical Society

The collection was donated to the GLBT Historical Society by Ben Schatz in October 2015.

The Kinsey Sicks are a drag a cappella ensemble who bill themselves as “America’s Favorite Dragapella Beautyshop Quartet.” The group was formed in 1993 when five friends went to a Bette Midler concert dressed in drag as the Andrews Sisters. The original group consisted of Ben Schatz as “Rachel”, Irwin Keller as “Winnie”, Maurice Kelly as “Trixie”, Jerry Friedman as “Vaselina”, and Abatto Avilez as “Begoña.” In 1995, Avilez died and The Kinsey Sicks went from being a quintet to a quartet and has remained as such ever since. The original members were largely lawyers and professional activists who performed with the group on the side, however they eventually became successful enough to leave their former professions and focus on The Kinsey Sicks full time. The Kinsey Sicks perform both original compositions and parodies of pop music, focusing on topics of queer life, Jewish identity, pop culture, and political satire. They have released ten studio albums, two feature films, thirty five music videos, and have produced numerous performances worldwide. The Kinsey Sicks lineup has undergone several iterations since its inception. Ben Schatz has been the group’s longest standing member. The current lineup in 2021 includes Ben Schatz as “Rachel” (1993–present), Jeff Manabat as “Trixie” (2004-present), Spencer Brown as “Trampolina” (2008-present), Nathan Marken as “Winnie” (2014-present), and J.B. McLendon as “Angel” (2019-present). Former members include Irwin Keller as “Winnie” (1993-2014), Abatto Avilez as “Begoña” (1993), Jerry Friedman as “Vaselina” (1993-1999), Maruice Kelly as “Trixie” (1993-2001), Chris Dilley as “Trampolina” (1999-2007/2008), Kevin Kirkwood as “Trixie” (2001-2003), Tom Gualtieri as “Trixie” (2002), and Charles Romaine as “Trampolina” (2007-2008).

The collection documents the work of the drag a capella group, The Kinsey Sicks. The records span from 1993-2014, with a primary focus on 1996-2010. The collection is arranged into six series: Administrative Records; Production Materials; Press and Publicity; Photographs; Audiovisual and Digital Media; and Textiles, Memorabilia, and Ephemera. Administrative Records contain a variety of materials including business meeting notes, work contracts, partnership agreement materials, merchandise and royalty records, legal records relating to Jerry Friedman’s resignation, and materials documenting the establishment of The Kinsey Sicks LLC. Production Materials contain documentation of the musical and performance work of the group, including scripts, sheet music, costume designs, production meeting minutes, Dragapella! investor documents, design proofs, event itinerary, and CD score sheets. Press and Publicity contains press clippings, newspaper and magazine articles, posters, flyers, postcards, press kits, and press releases. Photographs contain negatives and photographs of performances, promotional images, dressing room photographs, and panels from an exhibit at the Hormel Center at San Francisco Public Library. Audiovisual and Digital Media contain VHS tapes, DVDs, and CDs of live performances; a 35mm trailer; studio albums; and recorded interviews; as well as data discs with press, musical arrangements, and digital photos. Textiles, Memorabilia, and Ephemera contain t-shirts, a banner, a branded magnet and picture frame, awards received by The Kinsey Sicks, and various ephemera such as ticket stubs, business cards, custom stationary, and letters sent by friends and fans. GSSO Linked Terms: http://purl.obolibrary.org/obo/GSSO_001443; http://purl.obolibrary.org/obo/GSSO_000374; http://purl.obolibrary.org/obo/GSSO_004300