MEMPHIS - The legendary Mr. Charlie Brown will entertain as only he can on Saturday, Aug. 6, beginning at 9:30 p.m. (doors open at 8 p.m.). The event will be hosted by Club Spectrum (616 Marshall). In addition, Alexis Mateo, from RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 3, will headline the show along with Brown.

For years, gay and straight alike gathered in the upstairs of Charlie Brown’s Cabaret at Backstreet Atlanta to party with the quick-witted queen. Brown’s emceeing style and cabarets caught the nation’s eye through several films, including those produced by HBO, VH1, The Travel Channel and TBS. 

After more than a decade at Backstreet Atlanta, Brown took it in stride when the ATL gay club was shuttered in 2004, and took the cabaret and cast to Underground Atlanta and then to Hoedown.

Although it's been a few years since he was in Memphis, Brown is looking forward to returning.

“It was about five years ago for a big benefit,” she said. “I think it is wonderful; I am looking forward to it. Memphis has a warm spot in my heart. I use to work at George’s Truck Stop and Drag Bar.”

Brown first performed on the stage as a female impersonator at the age of 19.

“It was 41 years ago in Nashville at the Watch Your Hat and Coat Saloon," he said. "Of course, I was nervous. It was just the challenge that attracted me to performing.”

By the way, that is ‘Mister Charlie Brown.’

“Drag performers had to have ‘MR’ in front of their name,” Brown said of those years when he got started on the stage. “I just kept mine.”

 After Atlanta, Brown has taken to the road and is touring across the U.S. He just completed several months work entertaining at casinos.

“I was the host and emcee at Horizon Casino Resort in Lake Tahoe, Nev., and at the Rio in Las Vegas,” Brown said.

To those who are or would like to take to the stage of female impersonation, Brown made it clear you need to keep your day job.

“Have a good job,” he said. “It takes years to get your name out there … it can be very expensive.”

Tickets are available for $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Advance tickets are offered through the mail by emailing charliebrownmemphis@yahoo.com for details or online through concert sponsor myblingdiva.com.

Myblingdiva.com also is donating a necklace and earring set for bid during the performance.

All ticket sales and auction items will directly benefit Memphis’ MidSouth Spay and Neuter Services, dedicated to providing affordably priced services to the public to help encourage dog and cat population control.

“I hope everyone enjoys me as much as I enjoy entertaining,” Brown said, inviting Out and About readers to come see her, and for many, again.