The Man, The Myth, The Legend: Drew Sebastian

Drew Sebastian is pretty much a household name in Gayland! I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Drew for the past five years, and this man exudes sex appeal, charisma, and a likability that makes even women swoon. Over the years I’ve been able to spend quality time and get to know the man outside of his role in the adult industry, and that man is Andrew Clements.

We are teaming up for the first time this holiday season with our show “Cozy Little Christmas” at Reforma in Palm Springs. I thought it was a great idea to let everyone in on what I’ve found to be a complex and fascinating person who I hold very dear to my heart.

We became friends through a dear mutual friend of ours, Michael Youens. We met for the first time at Disney’s California Adventure theme park. Some may not know this, but you are a HUGE fan of Disney, and we recently returned from a Disney Cruise on the high seas. What draws you to that wonderful Disney Magic?

Sharing that experience on the Disney Wish with you and Michael was more than I could have ever dreamed! Followed by a few days at the kingdoms of magic AND animal brought me right back to my favorite days growing up.  Disney has always been a part of my life. I grew up going to Disney World several times a year. I watched EPCOT being built. (I miss the original EPCOT so much!) I saw my mom laugh and giggle on so many of the rides. Her favorite ride was Space Mountain. So, there are many happy memories for me involving Disney. It wasn’t until a few years ago that I finally went to Disneyland in California. It’s the OG Disney experience! Sure, it’s smaller but you can really feel the energy created by Walt. And it’s where I met you, Ethlyina! I didn’t know that I would love Disneyland (or you) so much, but it’s actually super special in its own way (and so are you!) You, me, and Michael were all big kids on that trip and I’ll never forget his excitement for life and I’ll especially remember his laugh. And Rocky. 

When you were just a young buck you had the amazing experience to work at Dollywood! Have you ever met Dolly? What was it like working at the park and what roles did you perform while there.

I’m still a young buck! But yes…. I was a dancer and singer in the shows at Dollywood. After college, I was teaching dance and voice at a performing arts studio. One of the young girls that I was working with was a feature in a special Christmas show at Dollywood. Her mother encouraged me to go audition and I was fortunate enough to be cast as lead dancer. The first show I did was called “Fire on the Mountain”. It was a historical journey of the music of East Tennessee. From the music of the Native Americans to the gospel roots of country all the way up to modern country music. I had seven costume changes in 55 minutes! It was a high energy show and, of course, I really enjoyed the big dance number that we called the “hoedown.” The next show I did was called Hometown Holidays. It was a 50’s themed show with lots of dancing and holiday classics. Yes, I’ve met Dolly quite a few times. She sang with us on stage a couple times during the time I was at Dollywood.  I’ve actually cooked for her. Just a cheesecake that her creative director asked me to make, but she reportedly loved it. And I have a tattoo of her signature where she signed my arm backstage at a taping of the Voice. When I told her that I was heading straight to the tattoo shop, she said, “You’re gonna be buried with me.” 

You were kind enough to head back to Dollywood with me and took us on a tour of Pigeon Forge where Dollywood is located. We had the wonderful experience of seeing “Country Tonite!” Tell us about that show and that funny clown that ties the whole show together.

“Country Tonite” is a long running show in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee that is two hours of Vegas style entertainment. As a matter of fact, the show originated in 1992 in Las Vegas at the original Aladdin hotel. They’ve also had a show in Branson, Missouri. This show features amazing singers, dancers and a very funny comedian called Bubba, The Redneck Ranger. When I was in the show, we did a lot of clogging! There were 16 of us dancers, and we would fill the entire stage clogging and hoofing to songs like “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” and “Play Me Some Mountain Music.” Good Ole Bubba has been in the show since the beginning. Telling jokes, picking out fun people in the audience and he even does a little cross-dressing! (His wife Lori is an amazing singer in the show… and I know that she approves!) It was awesome that he remembered me when we went to see the show. But he’s good people. And I know he enjoyed meeting you, Roma and Michael! 

Let’s talk food! You are a FABULOUS Chef and everything I’ve ever tried from your kitchen is simply Deeeeeelish! How did you get started in the kitchen and where did you learn all your culinary skills?

I started cooking as a kid with my mom. I was the kid on his knees on the stool, watching her making cakes, casseroles, and I started helping make meals. My mom had some health issues when I was 15. With the help of a nutritionist, we learned how to eat a little healthier. That did something for me. Because, since then, I’ve enjoyed making food and meals that are healthy and nutritious. I like to call my food, “Healthy-ish,” but I can throw down some not so healthy dishes, too. I’ve worked in restaurants over the years and found a passion for excellent cuisine. Eventually, I decided to go to culinary school. I graduated from Le Cordon Bleu in 2011. Since then, I’ve cooked for many celebrities and non-celebrities. But no matter what, I’ll make you feel like a celebrity. 

You have recently started a run of shows in Palm Springs, where you sing, dance, and exude sex appeal. This show was booked over the summer in Provincetown which was a huge break in the gay showbiz circuit. What was that experience like for you and do you have plans to return to Ptown.

Picture this… Palm Springs… 2022. I wanted to put together a little trial run of a few songs that I love for a few friends around a friend’s pool. That friend encouraged me to find a venue where I could perform an actual show. I fell in love with the food at Reforma, so I asked if I could schedule a couple shows and voila! Drew Sebastian’s Dad’s Cabaret was born! In my head, I’ve always been dancing, singing and performing sexy numbers that make me smile. Now, I get the chance to make you smile and turn you on in a different way than I have for the last 15 years! It’s not all that different, though. I’m combining my earlier career as a singer and dancer with my more recent success in the adult film industry. In my shows, you’ll hear me sing about porn, sex, and how I can cook too. You’ll be happy to know that I still like to show off my talents. I got started doing my show with jazzy favorites and dad jokes. When the event coordinators from the Pilgrim House saw my show in Palm Springs, they asked me to come do a run in Provincetown. Of course, I said yes. And It turned out to be an amazing experience! I learned so much about the gay showbiz circuit. Throughout my run, the audiences grew bigger each show and the other performers at The Pilgrim House, Miss Richfield 1981 and Miss Conception, were gracious enough to offer advice and encouragement. The entertainment directors have already booked me back at the Pilgrim House next summer for Bear Week and Carnival Week. They’ve even asked me to come this year for Holly Follies. So, I’ll be at The Pilgrim House Dec 1st and 2nd at 7pm and brunch on Dec 3rd at 11am! Then, I’m back in Palm Springs to do three Christmas shows with the fabulous Ethylina Canne. Dec 6th, 13th and 20th at 7pm at Reforma in downtown Palm Springs. 

You can sing, dance, cook, sew, and from what everyone has seen on film, you’re pretty talented in the bedroom. Is there anything that you haven’t done yet that you want to try in life? 

There’s always more to do. I’ve done so many things that I dreamed of as a little gay kid doing spins in the driveway thinking I was dancing and fantasizing about boys. I guess I’ll see what else the universe has in store and do my best to enjoy each and every moment. 

Tickets for a “Cozy Little Christmas” are available on Eventbrite. 

Happy Holidays,

Ethyl