A performer in a white dress and pearl necklace sings passionately into a microphone on stage, with dramatic lighting and the text Dust Cwaine in bold yellow letters beside them.

Warning: Dust Cwaine’s energy is dangerously contagious.

 

A person with a beard wearing a short, puffy yellow dress, white sneakers, and sunglasses stands confidently on rocks in a forest, pointing outward, surrounded by tall trees and sunlight.

I was introduced to Dust Cwaine through a mix of lucky timing and the undeniable power of instant queer friendship. While working in Vancouver in the spring, a colleague and I were invited to one of Sleepy Queers Productions’ legendary Drag Brunches—Dust Cwaine’s brainchild. I had just met Sarah, a die-hard Dust fan who happens to be their best friend. Sarah had two extra tickets and insisted (read: demanded) we come. Anyone who works events knows how rare a free morning can be, but somehow the universe made room. Next thing I knew, I was sitting three feet from the stage, bearing witness to a Lady Gaga–themed brunch extravaganza.

A person with a beard and dramatic makeup wears a pale yellow dress while sitting on rocks in a forest, surrounded by greenery and flowers, with sunlight filtering through the trees.

Within moments, I knew everything I needed to know about Dust. They commanded the room effortlessly, leaping onto the stage in their signature drag look—a short baby-doll dress, perfected drag makeup, and a sculpted beard—radiating charisma, warmth, and just the right amount of spice. They made everyone feel instantly welcome, even as they read us to filth.

What unfolded over the next two hours was a joyful collision of community, deep devotion to our lord and saviour Lady Gaga, and a masterclass in leadership. Dust hosted the show and seamlessly lifted up their fellow performers, while occasionally stealing the spotlight with their natural magnetism and charm.

Person in a flowing yellow dress stands against a bright blue sky, sunburst shining behind them. They wear sunglasses and hold up a peace sign, creating a dramatic and uplifting scene with lens flare.

Dust closed the show with a deliberately cheeky live rendition of Enrique Iglesias’ “Hero.” They roamed the room as they sang, eventually spilling out the front doors and onto the street. Their honeyed vocals paired perfectly with the playful absurdity of the moment—polished yet spontaneous in the most delightful, contradictory way. They were fearless, and I was hooked.

What followed was a deep dive into their discography and an introduction to their multifaceted artistry. Their debut album Arcana is surprising, soulful, and a nod to ’90s alternative music—a complete left turn from how I had first encountered them at a pop-fueled drag show. Their lyrics are often tender and have a similar pacing to The Cranberries and Royel Otis. Their most recent single, “Little Plans,” is a pop-rock earworm with a Tegan and Sara–esque repetition in the chorus—the newest anthem on my road trip playlist.

Five-member band performs on stage under purple-blue lighting. The lead singer, wearing a white dress, stands at the center. DUST CWAINE is displayed in bold red letters on a screen behind them.

Artists like Dust are rare—fierce in their delivery of authenticity. They marry different art forms and genres into an experience that can’t be missed at Rifflandia this year. Prepare to be enamored by their energy, musicality, and sense of humour. Make sure you bring your best pal, a sensible dancing shoe, and the largest set of fake lashes you own. You won’t be disappointed.


– Amanda Cribdon. Amanda Cribdon wears many hats at Rifflandia—mostly baseball caps, but also the Director of Volunteers hat, and occasionally the Project Manager hat. Fuelled by a lifelong love of music, Amanda originally set out on a completely different career path—mainly because no one told her you could actually work in music. Now firmly planted in the heart of the festival scene, she's still a little surprised things worked out this well and is just hoping no one notices how much fun she’s having and asks her to leave.

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