You’ll believe in life after love following this Cher performance

When Jaylene Tyme takes the stage, its for more than just a paycheque.

For her, it is an opportunity to have an impact on the wider world and share who she is as a person, and the lessons she’s learned over her 30-year career.

“I do it because I have such a passion to express myself in artistry,” the drag and tribute artist told Kelowna10.

It’s also about having fun.

Tyme will be showcasing that fun, passion, and talent in Kelowna when she takes the stage in It’s Cher! The themed tribute show, Tyme said, promises to be packed with the music and pop culture icon’s greatest hits, big hair, and legendary outfits.

“Glamour,” Tyme said simply. “This is an icon, and you want to make sure you do her justice.”

Tyme is heralded as one of Canada’s premier celebrity impersonators, and will be joined on stage by Calgary’s dancing queen, Farrah Nuff, and Kelowna’s Ella Lamoureux.

The show on Feb. 4 at Gotham Nightclub, she assured audiences, will be chalk-full of first-class drag, laughs, and satisfy any crave for a blissful night out.

To bring the essence of Cher and other celebrities like Dolly Parton and Tina Turner alive, Tyme said she has spent hours studying their characters, mannerisms, personalities, and most importantly, essence.

“If you can celebrate their essence and communicate that, that’s the win,” she said.

Tyme takes great responsibility in performing as these characters, knowing the impact it can have on fans.

“People may not be able to meet Cher, but they get really excited when they meet me [as her]. … I am really mindful when I speak with her fans,” she said. “I am not her. I am just dressing up as her, but I can provide some kindness and some moments for the people who really truly love the legacy she has provided all of us.”

Beyond the glitz and glam of it all, Tyme said drag and performing has helped her understand who she is in a lifelong journey of self discovery. She identifies as a two-spirited Indigenous trans individual.

Growing up on a farm in rural Saskatchewan, Tyme said she was limited in her ability to fully express herself and understand who she is.

Now, with a platform and attentive audience, Tyme ensures her shows actively create environments that are diverse and allow people to reach further than themselves.

“Being Indigenous and a 60s Scoop adoptee … I now today know it is important to me, to be able to stand in my visibility as a person, and to share all aspects of myself, whenever I to have the opportunity, because our voices are sacred and our lived experiences are also very important,” she said.

Tyme also takes pride in sharing stories of authenticity and the importance of being true to yourself.

Tickets for the show can be found online.