Doo Dah Queen Tryouts in Pasadena This Sunday

Queen Imani checks out outfits last Friday for Sunday’s big night. – Courtesy photo

By Terry Miller

Last Friday afternoon, in preparation for this year’s wildest queen tryout (no, not the Rose Parade Queen but the irreverent and delicious Doo Dah Queen tryouts) Armond Anderson-Bell, also known as the current Doo Dah Queen Imani Phoenix, was dressing up at Out of the Closet, in East Pasadena, in preparation for her final command performance as Queen at tryouts this Sunday.

One year ago, among a boisterous crowd of onlookers and typically atypical cast of royal hopefuls, Imani Phoenix wowed everyone with her inspirational story and vivacious Aretha Franklin to take the royal Doo Dah crown.

Imani Phoenix was born Armond Anderson-Bell in a South Central L.A. neighborhood where gang violence was reaching an all-time high. “This was a place where being different wasn’t just a challenge, it was almost impossible.” Not only that, Armond’s home life presented equal difficulties. It was a hyper-masculine environment led by Armond’s father, who was an auto mechanic, and uncle who had played with the Buffalo Bills.

In those days, the only options for a young black man, was to play sports or become a rapper. Instead, Armond reverted to books and education to quietly move his life forward. Then at fifteen years old, Armond made the decision to come out of the closet. He was ready for anything. But, instead of rejecting him, his family encouraged him to emerge as a proud black man and he took that to heart.

“When I tried out for Queen a year ago, I was just hoping someone would recognize my spark. And I believe in order to wear a crown you have to have gone through something and learn humility. I take it seriously. That’s why I’m honored and thrilled to have served my term as this year’s Doo Dah Queen,” explained Queen Imani.

This year’s royal mayhem takes place at the American Legion Bar, located at 179 N. Vinedo St. in Pasadena, on Sunday, Oct. 28 at 3 p.m. Each Queen hopeful will have but a few minutes to wow the judges. Microphones and boom box, even drumroll, will be provided. Hopefuls will be ready to show us and tell us why they should be Queen, often accompanied by a ring of loyal hecklers. People can buy their way into being judges by purchasing two beers for the parade organizers.

The event will feature: New Astroturf, command performance by Queen Imani and former queens – including, Naughty Mickie, Tequila Mockingbird, Queen Susann Edmonds, Queen Veronika MeowMeowz, – Goofball Judges, prizes, cheap drinks, a smoking patio, pool, big screen TV and lots of dancing.

The schedule for the day will unfold as follows:

• 2 p.m. – Doors open to the public, bands, queen hopefuls check in.
• 3 – 3:30 p.m. – Judges take their seats.
• 3:45 – 7 p.m. – Tryouts duration.
• 7:15 – 7:45 p.m. – New Doo Dah queen is crowned.

Final results and pictures will immediately be posted on pasadenadoodahparade.info. There will be a $5 cover charge for all who enter.

The 41st Occasional Pasadena Doo Dah Parade will be held on Sunday, Nov. 18, stepping off at 11 a.m. on the streets of East Pasadena. To enter the parade, simply go to the website and get the entry form. Call (626) 590-1134 for more information on tryouts or entries.

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