Joey Arias

Joey Arias, an acclaimed American artist based in New York City, has made significant contributions to the realms of performance art, cabaret, and drag. His career began in the music industry with the rock band Purlie, which released a single in 1973. Following this, he honed his comedic skills with the improvisational group the Groundlings before relocating to New York City in 1976. Arias’s early career saw him performing in the windows of the Fiorucci designer store, where he befriended alternative musician Klaus Nomi, providing backup vocals and designing sets for Nomi’s performances, including a memorable appearance on Saturday Night Live alongside David Bowie.

As the 1980s unfolded, Arias became a prominent figure in New York’s performance art scene, regularly performing at Club 57 and other venues. He transitioned into cabaret, channeling the essence of Billie Holiday in his acclaimed show, Strange Fruit, which ran for over a year at the Astor Place Theatre. His performances at Bar d’O in the 1990s further solidified his status, inspiring annual reunion shows and a documentary film that celebrated this vibrant period of his career.

In 2003, Arias took his talents to Las Vegas, starring in Cirque du Soleil’s Zumanity, where he not only performed but also co-wrote songs for the show. After six successful years, he returned to New York to collaborate with puppeteer Basil Twist on Arias with a Twist, a production that received rave reviews and toured internationally, culminating in a film premiere at the TriBeCa Film Festival.

Continuing to captivate audiences, Arias performs at esteemed venues like Joe’s Pub and Feinstein’s/54 Below. His recent album, Past Present Future, released in November 2023, showcases his enduring artistry. With a rich filmography that includes roles in cult classics and documentaries, Arias remains a vital force in the arts, with his archives now housed at Harvard’s Houghton Library, ensuring his legacy endures for future generations.