Music Authentic: We’ve been talking once a month since March – we have 2 interviews left for 2024 and this time you are getting ready for NYC! What do you have planned over there, Van man?
Van Hechter: Well, among other things there’s a show at Stonewall on November 25th, one at Red Eye on November 27th and a very emotional event in Brooklyn we named ”Poof Tour” at 9 Bob Note on December 1st… That one is a biggie. We’re giving part of our proceeds to VOCAL NYC, an organization whose mission is to build power among low-income people impacted by HIV/AIDS, the drug war, homelessness.
Music Authentic: Stonewall Inn is very important to you…
Van Hechter: Very. In a way it’s where I was born. Before I walked into Stonewall, a part of me was missing… I was ”almost” a performer, ”almost” a musician, but not quite. Then I met Chauncey and we created campy songs that were also deep… During that trip I met a bunch of people who instantly felt like family. It was like the very last piece of the puzzle was found and I could totally be who I’d always wanted to be, who I’d always been but didn’t dare… Very magical if you think about it. Of course as you know, I wrote an anthem to it ”53 Christopher Street” which I released as a duet wit Chauncey on my record label.
Music Authentic: What about Red Eye and 9 Bob Note?
Van Hechter: I know neither but I’m excited to perform at both venues: heard about them for a while now. Red Eye is a talent show named Trifecta with Kris Cherry, Neonburgundy and moi! Chauncey organizes it.
9 Bob Note is a lovely venue where C and I have decided to do a World AIDS Day edition of Le Poof Tour. It’s also a charity event- as mentioned earlier. We’ll sing duets and get people to dance alongside special guests we’ve carefully chosen! Last time we did this was in Montreal. I can’t wait to get to Brooklyn, especially for a good cause!
Music Authentic: What songs are you doing with Chauncey Dandridge?
Van Hechter: Most of them… ”The Delight”, ”Disco Brother”, ”Sissy Faggot Half Man Poof” and our new one ”Love To Love To Love” which is so much fun to do live!
Music Authentic: What will you wear? You gonna stun us, as usual?
Van Hechter: As you know I love fashion and of course in NYC I always make an effort. So, yes! I will try really hard to stun you! My goal is to generate a ”wow” effect when I dress, because I think we need ”wow” in our lives more than ever! It’s not an ego thing. It’s a true desire to make people dream through my outfits and Old Hollywood style…
Music Authentic: Do you have lovers in Manhattan?
Van Hechter: There’s a lot of flirting going on for me in NYC – from both men and women. I love it of course: who wouldn’t? It’s always flattering when a girl half my age asks me if I’m married. I certainly don’t take compliments for granted! I know one day it will end… As for someone regular: at the moment there’s nobody. You know anyone who lives near the West Side YMCA and who’s up for a challenge?
Music Authentic: You enjoy being single- you said this to me quite a few times and I get it… But do you look?
Van Hechter: I don’t ”look” per se, but I am open. I could remain single for the rest of my life and it’d be ok! I’ve been married, engaged, in LTRs. Not sure I’m very good at conventional relationships. I have one part part part-time ”husband” with whom I seem to fall in love each time we’re in the same city at the same time… Sometimes we don’t meet up for months and we both have flings but strangely when I am with him: I behave as I would with a husband. I noticed this about 4 weeks ago when he was sitting on my couch and I said: ”Hey, are you hungry? Let me warm up a bowl of my super zesty magical vitamin bomb stew for you – it’ll do you good”… See, I’d never do that for a fling, haha!
Music Authentic: What do you want to say about November?
Van Hechter: Guys: check yourselves! You feel a testicular lump, you feel plain, you notice anything unusual: see a doctor! If a first doctor doesn’t believe you’re sick, see another one! That’s how I was saved, 12 years ago. I insisted. And eventually a very aggressive tumor was found. Our health is our responsibility.
Tickets:
Red Eye Nov 27th, 7PM
https://www.redeyetickets.com/the-house-of-dandridge-presents-trifecta/
9 Bob Notice Dec 1st, 5PM- CHARITY PARTY
https://wl.seetickets.us/occasion/Le-Poof-Tour/626276?afflky=9BobNote