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

Lawrence Public Library

LAWRENCE PUBLIC LIBRARY

What it’s known for: Even if you don’t hold a lending card, Lawrence Public Library is an architectural gem and welcoming community space that is a delight to tour.

Why he loves it: You can stop in and grab a coffee at the lobby café, give the kids a chance to explore and play in the children’s section, visit the in-house art gallery or simply find a comfy spot to relax.

Insider Tip: The lobby cafe’ is run by our Community Mercantile. Try the pumpkin bread!

Link | Tripadvisor | Facebook

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.