“Remember the love” ~ a simple but powerful mantra that has informed the life of David Bagnardi ~ is a way of living that Bagnardi espouses and shares on a daily basis. Through his joyous and ebullient drag queen persona Frieda Munchon, Bagnardi is a showgirl above all else – and performing has been the lifeblood that has kept him going. He recently stepped down from over a decade of hosting trivia at Rocks, and has plans to retire the beloved Frieda in spring of next year – so catch any and all of her appearances as they come up. Frieda has been one of my favorite drag queens (along with Hazel, Whiskey Sour, Amanda Love and Chi Chi Ray Colby way back in the day) and we’ve been watching her thrill Albany for the past two decades. There’s no one braver or more courageous than a drag queen, and Bagnardi exemplifies that, while spreading a message of love and acceptance. For all of the above, Bagnardi more than deserves this Dazzler of the Day crowning.
