Artist Spotlight - Michael Cameron
To celebrate Pride Month, HarmoNNY shines the spotlight on Michael Cameron, the dynamic and talented drag queen known as Amber Skyy. Growing up in Massena, New York, Michael's journey from small-town roots to becoming a beloved performer is both inspiring and heartwarming.
From Hockey Rinks to Drag Stages
Michael's early years were filled with diverse interests and activities. He played hockey for 18 years, a sport that brought structure and discipline to his life. His passion for performance began even earlier, at the age of four, when he started singing and dancing in theater. This early exposure to the stage set the foundation for his future as Amber Skyy.
Amber Skyy is Born
Before Amber Skyy emerged, Michael was already making waves in the pageant world, winning titles like Mr. Gay Empire State, Mr. Buffalo, and Mr. Syracuse. His involvement in choreography for female impersonators sparked his interest in drag. One day, a female impersonator encouraged him to participate in a Ms. Syracuse pageant. Hesitant at first, Michael decided to give it a shot, and Amber Skyy was born.
Amber Skyy's first pageant win was Ms. Upcoming Syracuse NY in 2001, and from there, her star continued to rise. Michael enjoyed the challenge of portraying someone else on stage and found fulfillment in the respect and community support he received. Over the years, Amber Skyy has won 24 titles across New York State, representing various communities and raising money for numerous organizations.
A Life in Drag
Michael has been performing as Amber Skyy for 23 years. His shows are a blend of comedy, dance, and music, featuring 6 to 8 backup dancers who add humor and precision to the performances. It takes Michael 3 to 4 hours to transform into Amber, a process that has become more efficient with time and experience.
Amber Skyy's performances are a staple during Pride Month, with June being the busiest time of the year. However, her shows continue into July and August, keeping the spirit of Pride alive. Despite a packed schedule, Michael ensures each performance is fresh and engaging, often creating unique concepts like his upcoming Cruella De Vil mix for 1812 On The River. Mike commented that the comedic part of his routine is often improvised, saying, “I can go from being a good Catholic Boy on the microphone to a bar type comedian.”
Community and Inspiration
For Michael, the most fulfilling aspect of performing as Amber Skyy is the connection with the audience and the community. The gratitude and recognition from fans motivate him to continue bringing his creative visions to life. His ideas often come from personal inspiration, and he strives to keep his performances varied and exciting.
Michael's mother, a school teacher and LPN, was a significant influence in his life. Her advice to stay structured and prepared resonates in his approach to both his career and his drag persona. Michael encourages new performers to find their unique identity on stage, emphasizing the importance of staying true to oneself.
For those aspiring to take on this type of performance Michael said, “You can watch Amber Skyy. You can watch any other female impersonators out there, but find your own personna on stage.” He further commented that it may take time but it helps if aspiring impersonators stay fresh and try new things.
Upcoming Shows
Amber Skyy has a busy schedule this Pride Month, with performances lined up across various locations:
June 7th: Potsdam Pride at Pine Street Arena
June 8th: Family-friendly show at a park in Potsdam
June 14th: Amber Skyy’s Drag Race across multiple venues in Watertown
June 15th: Watertown Pride with shows at 1812 On The River
June 20th: Drag Bingo for River Pride in Cape Vincent
June 23rd: Performances at Di Prinzio’s Kitchen
June 28th: Show in Plattsburgh
Michael's journey as Amber Skyy is a testament to the power of perseverance, creativity, and community. As we celebrate Pride Month, we honor not only his contributions to the drag world but also the vibrant spirit he brings to every performance.
