Local Expert: Brandon Eisman

Your Local Artsy Ambassador

Brandon Eisman is extra… extra committed to love, acceptance, and diversity; extra focused on creating a positive platform for the LGBTQ+ community; extra determined to keep Lawrence a community supportive of ALL people. A vibrant artist, entertainer, advocate, educator and local personality, Brandon, known as Deja Brooks when performing, has made an impressive, cultural footprint (often beneath a stunning rainbow gown) on Lawrence – a city known for academia, diversity and the arts.

Brandon

Brandon's Top 5 Recommendations

Brandon's Event Recommendations

TRANSFORM-ATIONS

For nearly a decade, men and women of Lawrence have taken the stage in drag queen personas to create an original talent show with high stakes, a $10,000 cash prize for a designated Lawrence charity. Tickets for the January event go quickly, so plan your trip and order well in advance.

JANUARY
 
THEATRE LAWRENCE SHOWS

Running from September–June, Theatre Lawrence’s season of shows brings a range of comedies, dramas and musicals from a community able to tap the best of professional and amateur acting talent. Summer boasts stage attractions as well, including performances by the Lawrence Opera Theatre and more.

SEPTEMBER - JUNE
 
LAWRENCE ARTS CENTER EVENTS

Check out the performance schedule for the community arts center and you might be able to plan your trip around a stage performance, a visiting dance troupe or one of the town’s entertaining story slam sessions. And whenever you visit, there is always the opportunity to see a collection of fascinating, provoking or pleasing artwork in the two on-site galleries.

YEAR-ROUND
 
DEJA'S READING RAINBOW

What’s a glamorous diva’s favorite pastime? Reading, of course. And at Lawrence Public Library, the children and adults who join Deja Brooks have an opportunity to participate in a story time all about friendship and belonging. It’s a young person’s literary celebration of being unique, being accepted and loving rainbows and differences.

YEAR-ROUND
 
SWIMMING AT LAWRENCE INDOOR AQUATIC CENTER

Anyone traveling with young kids knows the importance of finding activities designed to soak up energy and wiggles. Fortunately, the year-round swimming season at Lawrence Indoor Aquatic Center is the perfect solution with its zero-depth entry areas, water slides, water hoops, diving boards and more.

YEAR-ROUND

Plan your day of Unmistakably Lawrence, Kansas fun with our online events calendar and discover great events, fairs, festivals, activities and things to do!