On Saturday night at Union Pool, with the first hints of fall in the air, a crowd pressed in shoulder to sequined shoulder, waiting for a flash of Tennessee sunshine on a Brooklyn stage. They weren’t disappointed: Doll Parts, a Dolly Parton tribute band led by Julia Sirna-Frest, delivered a set that was equal parts reverent homage and ecstatic party, complete with rhinestone boots, big hair, and an audience that sang every word.

Sirna-Frest, a Brooklyn-based performer and playwright, didn’t always see herself fronting a country band. The idea sparked in the middle of the night when her husband, somewhere between sleep and wakefulness, blurted out a vision: “You should start a Dolly Parton cover band called Doll Parts.” By the next week, the dream was reality—and in the years since, Doll Parts has become a beloved fixture on New York’s tribute circuit, infusing Dolly’s classics with a distinctly Brooklyn energy.

Saturday’s show—timed with the city’s end-of-summer nostalgia and the rush of back-to-school routines—felt especially cathartic. Songs like “9 to 5” landed differently for an audience still adjusting to post-Labor Day work schedules, while “Jolene” inspired a room-wide singalong that seemed to dissolve a week’s worth of urban anxiety. For the band, the performance was a celebration of resilience: “Dolly’s music is joyfully defiant,” Sirna-Frest told Made in NYC backstage. “We try to bring that spirit to every gig, especially now, when people need a little extra light.”

Doll Parts isn’t content to simply mimic their musical idol—they lean into the quirks of city life, riffing between songs about G trains and rent hikes, and inviting the crowd to shout out their own favorite Dolly deep cuts. Their regular gigs at venues like Union Pool and Littlefield have become unofficial gatherings for Brooklyn’s queer and creative communities, and tickets for their next show, set for later this month, are already nearly gone.

As the city settles into September routines, Doll Parts offers a reminder that a little country heart—and a lot of glitter—can go a long way. Their tribute isn’t just nostalgia: it’s a communal act of joy, perfectly timed for a city that never really slows down.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who leads the Dolly Parton tribute band Doll Parts?

Doll Parts is led by Julia Sirna-Frest, a Brooklyn-based performer and playwright.

Where is Doll Parts based and where do they perform?

Doll Parts is based in Brooklyn and performs at venues like Union Pool and Littlefield.

How did Doll Parts get started?

The idea for Doll Parts came from Julia Sirna-Frest’s husband, who suggested it late at night, and the band was formed within a week.

What makes Doll Parts’ performances unique?

Their shows blend Dolly Parton’s music with Brooklyn-specific humor and references, engaging the city’s queer and creative communities.

When is Doll Parts’ next show and how popular are their tickets?

Their next show is later this month, and tickets are already nearly sold out.

Editorial Transparency. A first draft of this story was produced with AI-assisted writing tools, then reviewed for accuracy and tone by the named editor before publication. More on our process: Editorial Policy.