Thank You and Goodnight, MC Buddy: A Memorial Drag Show

A memorial drag show for the late D.J. and proud emcee, Arthur "Buddy" Dobson, was held at The Zone. 133 W 18th St, Erie, PA, on Friday, November 14th. Buddy Dobson was a fixture in the Erie queer nightlife, DJ-ing alongside Joe Totleben. Dobson also performed under his drag alter-ego, Buffy Lynn Hayes, and was a former Miss Erie.

There was a total of 16 entertainers who took to the stage in Buffy's memory. Some of them included Former Miss Erie's: Rebecca Mae, Shea D'Heaux, Misty Michaels Kall, and Michelle Michaels.

Other entertainers included Veronica Ville, who performed a selection from the Greatest Showman; Snarebear performed "American Teenager" by Ethel Cain; Cherry Falwell performed Good Luck, Babe by Chappel Roan; and Priscilla Godzilla performed a dance number to Lady Gaga's Abracadabra, alongside two dancers. The performances were greeted with raucous applause. Notably, Priscilla's performance received a standing ovation.

As the performances wrapped up, the performers and Zone coworkers gathered to honor Buffy/Buddy. A plaque with Dobson's name was placed on the DJ booth to commemorate numerous years of memories and celebrations.

Dobson passed away on his birthday, Wednesday, October 22, 2025. He was born in Birmingham, Alabama, but raised in Clearwater, Florida. Buddy then moved to Erie in 2005, where he was very active in charitable events that he helped organize and raise funds for the community. He worked as a nurse's aide and also at Voices for Independence and The Zone. He was gifted with music and held a master's level in Martial Arts.

About the Author

Michael Mongera

Michael Mongera is a native from Cambridge Springs PA, A 2019 graduate of Mercyhurst University, Mongera received his Bachelor’s in Communication. During this time, he was the co president of Mercyhurst’s literary magazine, LUMEN for 2 years. Mongera has also contributed to articles for The Merciad, and Erie Reader Magazine. He currently works for Mission Support for Air Force/COCOMS/4th Estate for FRC.