The Iconic DJ Syimone: A Louisville Legend

How does one become an ICON? There are many extremely talented DJs, drag performers, and emcees. However, there is only one Syimone. 

Over the years, the self-made local superstar has earned herself many titles, accolades, and accomplishments in almost every facet of the trade. She was recently crowned overall Best DJ in the city by the people in the widely coveted Leo Weekly Reader’s Choice Awards in 2022. I often refer to her as the hardest working human in the business.

In 2006, Syimone began her DJ journey where the two of us worked together at The Red Lounge (R.I.P., baby). In the early to mid-2000’s, this neighborhood LGBTQ+ friendly bar was infamous for its club music bumping out of the open garage doors and vintage porn playing on the TVs…on a weekday. The Red Lounge Tuesgays and Thursday soul parties became staples in the queer scene, and these music sets eventually paved the way for many other gay week night events that followed in their footsteps. In the Louisville, Kentucky entertainment industry, these parties were the high heels.  

She already had established a huge following from years of success as The Diva Extreme: Syimone: her high energy, one-of-a-kind drag persona at The Connection nightclub. I can still hear the announcer introducing her name over the theater’s sound system now. “I am what I am because of that place, which was an institution for 30 years.” She declares, “My fans have followed me wherever I go with anything I’m a part of ever since.” The songs she performed were like no one else’s because she edited and mixed all her own shit. It was such a breath of fresh air when she came on stage. At every performance, the usually packed house would go wild and line up in droves to shower her in cash. This was a legend in the making.

Over the years, she has managed to stay relevant in her line of work, even with new waves of folks on the 1’s & 2’s arriving every week it seems. “Look, you have to move with the times.” Syimone claps her hands together and delivers some knowledge. “If you want to be successful in any market, you have to continue to keep moving or you won’t survive.” Thriving is way more like it.  The wildly successful artist maintains her huge presence in the queer community via gigs at Big Bar, drag brunches at The Hub, Chik’n & Mi, and others, and as the hosting emcee for both Louisville and Kentuckiana Pride festivals. 

Anytime I’ve ventured to see her out at a bar, restaurant, or venue, I know before I arrive that it is a safe space for me to exist and to comfortably be myself. That’s intentional. She makes sure of it. “If I am playing somewhere, I will always have the conversation with the owners of the establishment to let them know my intentions and expectations. If you are coming to see me, it has to be a safe space for you, or I won’t do it.” Syimone has quite the flock of adoring supporters, and these businesses understand they will bring in some serious loot.

Syimone is now booking shows and DJ gigs out of town: Cincinnati, Indianapolis, and now Chicago! The sky is most definitely the limit for our fearless queen. I have personally known Syimone for a long time and let me assure you, she has no intention of slowing down. The world needs to see that representation, not just the LGBTQ+ community, but everyone, especially in Kentucky, especially the youth of Kentucky. Exposure breeds acceptance, and Syimone is at the forefront of the movement for change. She does so through both her entertainment and activism on a daily basis. 

Cheers to you my friend, a literal living legend. Dare we say: ICON.