Billy Francesca has been a fixture of West Hollywood nightlife for more than two decades — party promoter, drag host, event producer, self-described anomaly. He arrived in Los Angeles from Boston with $40 and a role in a drag production of “Medea.” He never left. Now, as Pride season kicks into gear, he’s bringing something new to Mattie’s WeHo: the Big Gay Show, a Wednesday night production on June 3 and June 10 built around local LGBTQ+ talent from across the city.
How the Big Gay Show was born
The idea started in a meeting at Mattie’s a few months ago. Billy asked about a theme. Owner Matt Ross said he wanted something he called “Return to Pride” — a back-to-basics vibe rooted in community. Wednesday nights at Mattie’s already featured a rotating performance series called Kiss My Art, covering sketch comedy, stand-up, drag, and dance. The Big Gay Show grew out of that. “I thought what a great way to tie in some history of the LGBTQ+ community with some stories, dance numbers, and local talent being featured,” Billy said. They received more than 300 emails from performers wanting in.
The cast — “animals, the entire lot of them,” he said — includes Nyx from Beaches, singer and performer Jackette Knightley, choreographer and dancer Rico TV, comedian Michael Henry, and an ensemble of promoters, drag performers, singers, and dancers active in the WeHo community throughout the year.
Billy had worked at Rocco’s WeHo under the previous ownership and left about seven months before the sale. When Matt Ross took over and held his first staff meeting, all he kept hearing was that he needed to call Billy. “The poor bugger never stood a chance,” Billy said. He said working for a gay-owned business with an owner who understands the importance of showing up for the community has made the difference.
Twenty-five years and counting
Twenty-five years in West Hollywood, and what keeps him here? “Ketel One vodka,” he said, without missing a beat — then added the real answer. “The non-stop need to speak up for the underdog. The people who can work the party but aren’t invited to the party.” On what the scene is missing, he didn’t pull punches. “A visible community,” he said. “We have shifted to only coming together when there is a celebrity endorsement. My existence and my pride doesn’t come from a photo op with a celebrity advocate I see during Pride month.” He said West Hollywood risks becoming what he called a “Gay Citywalk” — a place for onlookers to come watch the community rather than be part of it.
Still the longest-running Pride host in WeHo
Billy has been the longest-running Pride host in West Hollywood, 15 years running. He describes the role as a behind-the-scenes liaison between whatever the latest vision of Pride is and the actual performers, DJs, and venues that make up the community. “In my mind I am the host of a town, and I am one hell of a host,” he said. “Hors d’oeuvres, freshen your drink.” On queer joy, he said the concept is simple — coming together to dance, laugh, and be silly, and to honor the generations who paved the road this generation gets to walk. “Pride isn’t one month a year,” he said. He added that he watches the feeling of unity within the community being replaced, in real time, by corporate and career agendas.
This year he’ll also be back as a host at OUTLOUD Music Festival at WeHo Pride, the three-day event at West Hollywood Park running June 5 through 7, headlined by The Pussycat Dolls, Ava Max, and JADE.
About that famous beard
We asked Billy about their signature beard — currently full grey, which their niece told them over FaceTime makes them look like an old pirate. It came about when Billy lost their hair more than 20 years ago and couldn’t keep up with shaving through a relentless work schedule. It stuck. “I love seeing more performers challenging the social norms of what drag, dressing, living needs to look like,” Billy said. “It can be whatever you want.”
Nine miles of bad road
Off stage, Billy runs Billy Francesca Events LLC, an umbrella covering everything from club nights to private parties, pool parties, bingo, cabaret, and corporate events. He also launched DB Nightlife as a booking agency for DJs, dancers, and drag performers. He can be reached at 323.243.0829 or at billyfrancesca.com.
Asked to describe himself to a Martian who just landed on earth, he didn’t hesitate. “9 miles of bad road.” His celebrity crush, for the record, is Cary Grant. “He could eat crackers in bed and I wouldn’t mind.” His advice to his younger self: let it go. “Any worry, any drama or anger or BS that slows you down — let it roll off you and just keep moving forward.” The old motto — if life gives you lemons, add vodka — still stands. The updated version: “Leave every place you go better than you found it. It can be a kind word. It can be picking something off the ground and throwing it in the trash. We are all responsible for making the world a better place.” That’s advice well worth taking.
The Big Gay Show plays Mattie’s WeHo, 8900 Santa Monica Blvd., on Wednesday, June 3 and Wednesday, June 10, with shows at 8:30 p.m. Tickets and information are available at roccosweho.com.
Yesss!
There is a lot of wisdom in allowing yourself to be silly.