Gold stars all around.

The Aces’ Katie Henderson, McKenna Petty, and sisters Alisa Ramirez and Cristal Ramirez released Gold Star Baby in August 2025, complete with the songs “You Got Me,” “Jealous,” and “Twin Flame.”

What The Aces are best known for, however, is celebrating the LGBTQ community. The group’s members often speak about writing music specifically for queer listeners and about queer joy – Gold Star Baby included.

Gold Star Baby - The Aces — Gold Star Baby – The Aces

“This album is meant to be fun and celebrated,” Cristal Ramirez said during an interview with Atwood Magazine. “I hope our fans can take it and, wherever they are in life – whether they’re going through a queer journey or some other moment – find a brief escape in it. A bit of joy and celebration.”

“I know where to go,
Follow the rainbow.
Every flavor you can
come and taste ‘em
When you come with me.
I think you’ll agree,
That you’ll never
wanna go back, baby.”

– “Gold Star Baby,” The Aces

Their lyrics are refreshingly straightforward and blunt in a way that’s so accessible to listeners. It feels easy and light and just plain fun, which is exactly what you want from a concert in New York City on a Wednesday night.’

The Aces’ ‘Gold Star Baby’ Is a Disco-Pop Party of Liberation, Joy, & Queer Euphoria – and Everyone’s Invited!

:: INTERVIEW ::

The concert began with the album’s first track, “Welcome to Gold Star Baby,” which combines the funky instrumental aspects of “Jealous” with a disco-y TV commercial intro. The Aces took the stage at their metaphorical Gold Star Baby Club, highlighting their latest single, “Square One,” as well as tracks from their recently released album.

“Okay, so this next song, it’s about sex appeal,” Alisa Ramirez on drums said. “Ever heard of it, New York? Have you heard of it? If you’re under the age of 25, you probably call that Riz. If you’re over the age of 45, you probably call it Mojo. We call it the Magic.”

Obviously, a standout moment was when the band played one of their biggest hits, “I Can Break Your Heart Too” (off 2020’s Under My Influence), with the crowd screaming along to every lyric. The person next to me leaned into my ear.

“I’m in love with the singer,” she said, positioning her phone for an Instagram story. When Cristal Ramirez made eye contact with her and smiled, the fan promptly turned to the nearby security guard and squealed.

The Aces 'Gold Star Baby' © Dana Trippe — The Aces ‘Gold Star Baby’ © Dana Trippe

More than anything, this foursome’s friendship is palpable on stage, and The Aces make an effort to be personable and real for fans, too.

They proudly held up a fan’s customized pride flag. They invited an attendee on stage to take a shot after the “best dressed” contest. It felt like everyone was a part of their extended friend group – and who wouldn’t want to be in the Gold Star Baby Club?

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