Kristine W’s Epic Adventure
Kristine W is certainly an artist that needs little introduction for a gay audience. Over the course of 15 years, she has recorded a near-record 14 number-one hits on the Billboard Dance charts, placing her in the company of names like Mariah Carey, Janet Jackson and Madonna - the only three other artists who have met or surpassed that marker.
With the release of her new Ultimate Music DVD collection this month, she is celebrating in big style as she headlines Epic Saturday at House of Blues Saturday, December 12. EDGE caught up with the dance hit machine as she prepared for the show, getting her opinion on the differences between performing for gay and straight audiences, whether size matters and - attention Adam Lambert - what it means to be a "gay icon."
Miami to Boston
EDGE: You just wrapped up a weekend in Florida, playing the White Party among other things. How was that?
Kristine W: It was wonderful, I had a really great time. I went to Villa Vizcaya on Saturday night and that brings back lots of memories for me. We did a show there in 2000 during the Stronger album. It’s such a beautiful place with great energy. The next night, I went to the Beach Party and Chris Cox was spinning there. We’re really good friends and it was a wonderful party there. It was a good weekend. And now we have the show coming up in Boston for the DVD release party.
EDGE: I was going to ask you about that. When was the last time you were in Boston?
KW: I really don’t play very often in Boston. I haven’t been there for a couple of years so it’ll be great. The party is called Epic Saturdays, which is a great name. It seemed like a perfect fit to have a DVD release party there.
EDGE: What is enticing to you about the word "epic," as it refers to a party?
KW: Epic means bigger than life and it’s wonderful. A lot of clubs and promoters are afraid to invest in parties now and I think it’s ironic that Chris Harris, the promoter, instead of being afraid and making his parties smaller is going the opposite direction. It’s going to be bigger than life!
