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KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) – The nightlife scene in Keene just got a lot more colorful with the opening of Madame Sherri’s Lounge and Cabaret, a new venue dedicated to LGBTQ+ entertainment and inclusivity. The club, which held its first official event last weekend with a Pink Pony Club night, is set to become a vibrant hub for the queer community in New England.
The event, named after Chappell Roan’s song celebrating the joy of a first-time visit to a drag club, was the perfect kickoff for the new venue. “We thought it would be fitting for our first official party,” said Adam Toepfer, co-owner of Madame Sherri’s.
Madame Sherri’s is more than just a nightclub; it’s a celebration of the eccentric spirit of its namesake, Madame Sherri, a legendary figure known for her lavish parties during the days of Prohibition at her home (referred to as her “castle”) in Chesterfield on the Vermont border. The castle ruins, now part of Madame Sherri Forest, are a popular hiking destination.
Hosting the opening event was Paulee Mekdeci of Brattleboro, a gender-fluid drag queen who performs as Miss Ginger Soulless and is a driving force behind Keene’s burgeoning LGBTQ+ scene. Mekdeci has been instrumental in founding and organizing events like Keene Pride Week, which will be in its third year next month.
Mekdeci, a Brattleboro resident, has been performing as Miss Ginger Soulless for 20 years and has been deeply involved in local LGBTQ+ activism.
Toepfer, a Keene native, spent 16 years in New York City working in the nightlife, entertainment, and technology industries before returning home over the past few years. He noticed the LGBTQ+ community in Keene was highly under-recognized and underserved, prompting him to co-found Keene Pride. Together with Brown, who owns Brown Computer Solutions, and Mekdeci, they aim to turn the Keene area into a hub for queer entertainment.
The co-owners plan to host a variety of events at Madame Sherri’s, including drag shows, theater, burlesque, circus, murder mysteries, comedy and much more. Karaoke and trivia nights have already been added to schedule on alternating Wednesday evenings.
The venue, located in a space that most recently housed Hennessey’s Bar and Grill in Railroad Square downtown, has undergone cosmetic renovations to enhance its eclectic charm. “All we needed to do was drag it up,” said Toepfer, describing the transformation that included fresh coats of paint, velvet accents, and cobra skin-like wallpaper nodding to Madame Sherri’s love of snakes. The club’s walls are adorned with murals of drag icons and historic photos of Madame Sherri that showcase her fascinating life. The nightclub features a sizeable dance floor, elegant booths that fit up to 10, and a unique ambiance that mixes old-world charm with modern flair.
The menu at Madame Sherri’s is just as inventive, offering a range of cocktails and mocktails with cheeky names like Daddy’s Coffee and Fire Island, along with comfort food like Adam’s chicken sandwich (in pickle brine and named for Toepfer) and Patrick’s Poutine.
The opening of Madame Sherri’s marks a significant step forward for the LGBTQ+ community in Keene, offering a safe and inclusive space where everyone is welcome. “Our doors are open to anyone who is kind and respectful and wants to have a good time,” said Toepfer.
For a full food and cocktail menu and a list of upcoming events, visit www.madamesherris.com