ABOUT

The Papaya Lounge, described as the jewel of Humboldt’s performance scene, is a raucous and opulent cabaret set in a seedy lounge run by some seriously sexy people. Backed by a killer house band, the Enthusiastic Consents, your host Velvet Q Jones along with her non-sexual life partner Nancy Schwartz and personal bartender/psychiatrist Musty Beaver, take you down a rabbit hole of divine debauchery. Every Papaya Lounge show is different, sometimes featuring epic international cabaret acts…sometimes inviting the audience into the show. What never changes is that the Papaya Lounge is for everyone - except the haters. They can stay home and troll.

Papaya Lounge Productions, the producing entity behind the Papaya Lounge, is the brainchild of 3 Humboldt County-based artists Sarah McKinney, Janessa Johnsrude, and Alyssa Hughlett.

“Seriously the most fun I’ve had this entire shitty decade”

PAPAYA LOUNGE: Supernatural(s)

JAN. 31/FEB. 1 & FEB 6/7/8

Honkadiddle doo! You certainly primed your swizzle sticks and shook your rocks at this years’ show while we slung some super-fat supernatural high-ball tinglin’ tang with a paranormal twist. And it was definitely not just the regular kind of paranormal. Thanks for helping us take this cocktail metaphor to the next level with a figurative “Dirty Dump” of otherworldly debauchery. Until next time…

NOTA BENE: We are using the term “Dirty Dump” as it is referred to by professional bartenders:

  • Dirty dump

    A technique where the entire contents of a cocktail shaker, including ice, muddled fruits, and herbs, are transferred directly into a serving glass without using a strainer. 

2025

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SPONSORS OF THE PAPAYA LOUNGE

We love our sponsors and we love what they do. Support us by supporting them!

We are honored to partner with local businesses in the Humboldt County area and appreciate the support of our incredible sponsors. To become a sponsor, go here and learn more. High fives and all the stardust in the universe to these folks that have generously thrown down to make our shows happen:

  • Septentrio Winery

    A family owned artisanal winery who firmly believe that the quality of their ingredients and intricacies of process are the keys to producing their many award winning wines. Papaya Lounge is so honored to have Septentrio Winery as our Season Partner.

    Visit: septentriowinery.com

  • Humboldt Craft Spirits

    Humboldt Craft Spirits is the first and only licensed distillery in Eureka, CA.

  • Dell'Arte International Alumni Residency

    Our latest show, “Papaya Lounge: Supernatural(s)” was made possible in part by an artist residency at Dell’Arte International.

  • Dead Reckoning Tavern

    Our favorite World Beer Bar in Arcata offering Humboldt County’s largest premiere beer selection.

    Visit: deadreckoningtavern.com

MERCH

We collaborated with one of our favorite artists, Gina Tuzzi, to create some stylin’ candle/sticker schwaggg available at our shows. Coming in 2025…buttons baby!