Overlooking the DC skyline, the penthouse level of the brand new Royal Sonesta Capitol Hill was bustling with energy and excitement as Sonesta Travel Pass members arrived for the Rolling Stone Musicians on Musicians Pride conversation between Jake Wesley Rogers and Big Freedia. The mood of the room buzzed with anticipation and excitement at the joy that would fill the night.
Koury Angelo
The crowd settled in as Rolling Stone writer CT Jones introduced the two artists, and once they stepped on stage, the cheering from their fans and Sonesta Travel Pass members almost never stopped. The two artists whose style and identity are so intertwined with their music, kicked off the conversation by talking about their shared spirituality and the importance of being queer. “I was a young, gay boy in New Orleans… and when I went to church, I was welcomed with open arms,” Big Freedia noted, taking us back to her roots where her authenticity was never quelled. Similarly, Jake Wesley Rogers added that, “I found myself drawn towards spirituality, drawn towards faith. It just feels like it’s inside of me. It’s something that I include in all of my music because it’s me.”
Koury Angelo
Authenticity and the commitment to being the truest version of themselves is something both artists have as a cornerstone for their work. When asked about their queer elders and role models, Big Freedia noted that she found inspiration from other queer artists from a young age, but most importantly, she connected with the message of being yourself, “I was able to use those icons and all those musicians and see myself in them.” Jake Wesley Rogers’ inspiration sparked with Prince and Bowie, adding that “I began wanting to know more about queer people from, not just the last 100 years, but beyond, because I have this inkling that we’ve existed forever – and we have.”
Koury Angelo
When asked what it means to them to be a queer artist, Big Freedia succinctly put it as, “be who you are… Just be free, go out there and show the world exactly who I am.” Rogers cheered her on, and then added, “For me, it’s a way to save my own life, by embracing it and being free. So I hope that’s what it can mean for others too.”
Koury Angelo
With standing ovation and a symphony of applause, the artists left the stage to get ready for their performances. DJ BLiu kicked up some music and the room was alive with conversation, laughter and mingling. With the sun almost set, drinks were being passed around and everyone at The Royal Sonesta was ready to hear some music.
Jake Wesley Rogers started his intimate set with ‘Tired of Living’ from his album In the Key of Love. Next he sang ‘Pluto’ “for the outsider in all of us”. Rogers concluded his set with a rendition of the Bob Dylan classic “The Times They Are A-Changin,” appropriate for the moment and the setting as a gathering of queer artists and their fans in today’s world.
Koury Angelo
After Rogers’ beautiful ballad-driven performances, Big Freedia took to the stage with her dancers beside her, shifting the energy of the room to sonic exuberance. Before a note was heard, everyone was already on their feet dancing to her iconic style of New Orleans bounce with songs like ‘$100 Bill’ and ‘N.O. Bounce’. The feeling of appreciation and love for this seminal artist pulsed through the room and the emotion of that support was felt by all, especially Freedia herself, who had to take a moment to emotionally ground herself, noting that this was her first performance since the death of her longtime partner. The moment was touching as fans exclaimed messages of love and support. After indulging the guests and Sonesta Travel Pass members with a generous set, Big Freedia performed a final song, and the night ended just as it began, in a celebration of authenticity and community.
Koury Angelo
The Rolling Stone and Sonesta International Hotels ‘Musicians on Musicians’ series will continue on in various cities, at which Sonesta Travel Pass members can enjoy conversations and musical performances by acclaimed artists. Follow along for more updates!
