Salon
Sessions

Armaan Singh is a Portland-based queer poet and comedian who seeks to create queer joy. He hosts a weekly open mic on Tuesdays with Dirty Angel Entertainment at Misfits Bar & Lounge PDX. He hopes to tell his story unapologetically and inspire change one joke at a time.

Ben is a multi-instrumentalist — violin, mandolin, guitar, percussion, voice — whose interests lie in roots music from around the world. Born in Lesotho and raised predominantly in Phoenix, with stints in Seattle and Zimbabwe, Ben was raised classically on violin but now plays roots, folk, jazz, blues, world, and gospel. He performs in the internationally touring duo Ben Hunter & Joe Seamons, as well as solo and with Seattle jazz groups. In 2017 he composed music for the critically acclaimed dance piece Black Bois, and is an artist-in-residence with Seattle’s On The Boards. Ben also does deep community-development work — founder of Community Arts Create (2011) and co-founder of The Hillman City Collaboratory (2013) and Black & Tan Hall (2016). Among his honors: the 2015 Governor’s Arts & Heritage Award, the 2016 International Blues Challenge win, and the 2019 Gordon Ekvall Tracie Memorial Award. Ben is a Seattle Music Commissioner.

Meet Athena — your high-energy diva with an unwavering love for drag. Whether she’s setting the stage ablaze with dynamic routines or captivating hearts with passionate power ballads, she brings an electrifying presence to every show.

My name is Brandon Clark, a Seattle native who values perseverance, faith, and love. Growing up in the south end of Seattle, I’ve embraced the lessons of my late parents — never give up, and keep God with me. As a dedicated parent to my son, Elson, I channel those teachings forward. My clothing brand, Hights, stands for Human Intuition Generating Higher Transitions Spiritually. Life is a climb, and I believe in leaving the ladder for others to find their way as they ascend, one level at a time.

Seattle’s Premiere Drag King. Ceasar Hart has been performing as a Drag King across the PNW for well over a decade — you may have seen him at Prides all over Washington, from Seattle to Grays Harbor to Yakima and Thurston County. A member of the Humanities Washington Speakers Bureau, he educates communities on drag and LGBTQ history. Past reigning Mr. Neighbours Nightclub and recently crowned Mr. Community, Ceasar is a dedicated advocate and activist who lives to see a world where his community can live 100% authentically — without apology, and without fear.

Dedriq Trinide has hosted Urbanstar SpokenWord and Trinide’s Speak Easy spoken-word shows, and is currently the Vibe Curator for UrbanStar Presents Vibe Bingo.

Coming to ya from round the South Sound — it’s Double D’s Delyla Dalyte. Born in Puyallup and raised all over Tac-town, the City of Destiny’s own Downtown Diva has been making a name in the 253 for over a decade. Elected Miss Gay Tacoma in 2015, she traveled across Washington and beyond raising money for the Imperial Court System and its charities — sparking a love for fundraising and non-profit work with organizations like the ACLU and PFLAG, plus her own productions Terminal D and Downtown Divas. She’s hosted Drag Queen Bingo since January 2023, now the only all-ages event of its kind in Tacoma. Electrically charged and always pulse-pounding, Delyla Dalyte will leave you on the edge of your seat.

Jen Moore / DJ Freequeensee is a musician and multi-disciplinary artist from Seattle. She runs a sound-healing practice called The Well of Sound. For her, music and movement is life.

Thee Gemini Stone is a constellation of stars — a multitude. From red-hot super-giant swag to the luminous glow of a supernova and everything in between. A graduate of the #ShowThem Burlesque Basics Fall 2022 Cohort, a member of Haus De Corvo, and 1st runner-up for Seattle Queer Monarch 2023, Gemini is “whole-heartedly endorsed” by The Stranger as an advocate for the Seattle burlesque scene with a “vision for a brighter, more equitable, and sultrier Seattle.” Seattle’s Gothic Beyoncé’s edgy rocker aura and goth-glam aesthetic will mesmerize you through song, dance, and storytelling.

Hot Pink Shade is the energetic, braided baddie of the BeautyBoiz and the prestigious House of Shade. They are known for high energy, bright braids, and choreography that will compel you to cheer. With this Queen, you’ll find out quickly why Shade is a dish best served Hot Pink.

Jeneva Marie is an award-winning storyteller, a revolutionary multidimensional artist, an embodied mindfulness guide, and a passionate advocate for racial equity, sustainability, and the empowerment of marginalized communities. She uses her artistic talents and mindfulness practices to raise awareness about environmental issues, foster inclusivity, and inspire positive change — dedicated to a world where all individuals can thrive and the planet is respected for future generations.

J Mase III is a Black/Trans poet and educator based in Seattle by way of Philly. He is founder of awQward, the first trans and queer people-of-color talent agency, and author of “And Then I Got Fired: One Transqueer’s Reflections on Grief, Unemployment & Inappropriate Jokes About Death.” He is currently co-editor of the “Black Trans Prayer Book” and head writer for Black Bois. His work has been featured on MSNBC, Essence Live, Everyday Feminism, Blavity, the New York Times, Buzzfeed, the Root, the Huffington Post, TEDx, and more.

Art is not a hobby I partake in during my downtime — it’s a lifestyle, and I am the full embodiment of it. My name is Kristina, a local PNW artist with a deep passion for art in all its forms: painting, photography, music, poetry, and books have shaped my life as long as I can remember. I feel most at peace when I’m creating. I hope you enjoy my art as much as I enjoy making it. Find me on all platforms under Stinasartstudio.

Bringing you the kitsch and the class, Ms. Kitschy Kupid is a member of House De Corvo and a graduate of Seattle’s own #SHOWTHEM Burlesque Basics with Mx. Pucks A’Plenty and Lavish Leone. Her work has been described as Neo and Post-Neo Burlesque — giving you loving nostalgia and the heat of the unknown all at once. With her whimsical style, her need for attention, and lots of love, this babe of classy vibes and tacky taste will keep you guessing until the very end.

Originally from South Florida, Garfield Hillson is a Black-Queer poet and educator working in Seattle. He believes in the beauty of words, the power of story-sharing, and trauma-informed social-justice healing — that art and education are the building blocks to achieve it. Garfield writes to reclaim the language stolen from him, to empower others, and to push imaginations toward a better NOW. He is a Seattle Poetry Slam Grand Slam Champion (2015), a Rain City Slam Grand Slam Champion (2017), and a five-time Seattle Poetry Slam National Team member (2015–2019).

Your reigning Miss Premier International, Regine Dynasty — entertainer, promoter, producer, and host. She started as a backup dancer and danced her way to headliner. Founder of Nubian Pride Productions and the Nubian Pride King and Queen Pageant, she has promoted many of the Northwest’s top female impersonators and male entertainers, and hosted countless shows for profit and non-profit organizations alike. Now a traveling talent, her passion is to entertain with a cause — spreading positivity and inclusivity every chance she can.

Salenna Green (she/they) is a facilitator, creative, and speaker. Through her organizing work and her show, The Hot Girl’s Healing podcast, Salenna uplifts and holds truly safe space for her community. Any time she’s on stage, expect personality, energy, and a little bit of exactly what you need.

Sarah Kendall — otherwise known as “SK” — is a local Seattle dancer trained in hip-hop street and underground styles including waacking, house, popping, and ballroom vogue. SK has been a part of Westsiders, Cruz Control, and the Purple Lemonade Collective, and has collaborated with Pacific Northwest Ballet, Seattle Rep Theatre, and the main stage of Seattle Pride. The Waacking BB’s Champion of Punk n’ Funk 2018, SK brings energy, femininity, and strength with her everywhere she goes.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, SYIRE crashed to earth and has been stranded here ever since — though the artist behind her is originally from New York. She released her debut single “Promizel@nd” in June 2021, an infectious lament inspired by ’90s pop-punk. Alternating between silky vocals and gruff, no-nonsense deliveries, her debut album “4U” is the soundtrack to a journey through love, fear, and helplessness — culminating in life-changing acceptance and inner strength. The joy of taking up space as a Black artist in an alternative genre inspires her to grow and evolve.

Anyone who hears Taylar Elizza Beth (TEB) will tell you they’ve never heard anything like it before. Born and creating in Seattle, TEB has captured audiences with theatrical, emotional performances since 2016. Her raw, vulnerable lyrics — combined with bass-bumping beats — invite every single person to let their guard down and step into flow. Ready or not, Taylar Elizza Beth is coming in hot.

Your favorite fresh face and SGN’s 2022 Drag Queen of the Year nominee — Seattle’s bewitching bombshell, Viper Fengz. Merging beauty, artistry, and fantasy, strap yourself in for a stunning show. Come hungry for a bite of the visceral and visionary Virgo, Viper Fengz!

Boxer, free runner and traceuse, dancer, poet, videographer, musician. Gender nonconforming femme, Black militant, queer, and I ain’t sorry bout it.

Seattle-based movement artist using a queer Black gaze to weave communal and personal stories into dance. Founding member of Black Collectivity. Has shown work at Seattle Art Museum, On The Boards, The Moore Theater, and beyond. Photo by Nii Okaidja.

Your newest obsession. Seattle’s favorite babydoll. I push buttons for fun. Say the whole thang like “A Pimp Named Slickback.”

Queer Black performance artist, poet, and activist based in Seattle. Works at the intersection of art, healing, and social justice. A powerful, community-rooted voice.

sarya (they/them) is a Taiwanese-American singer-songwriter and poet based between Taipei and Seattle. Previously based in Edinburgh, where they began making music in 2017. sarya’s work stems from spoken word and DIY music, using emotional lyrics to fuel emotive vocals, playing with video-game-inspired electronic noises to make songs about tender matters of the heart and soul. Spanning multiple genres, sarya has over 1,000,000 streams for their sophomore EP, “take care of yourself.”

Queer Taiwanese-American pole dancer who wants to make you feel your emotions and cravings deeply. Credits the origin of modern pole dance to BIPOC strippers and centers that history in her work.

Velvet Vendetta is what happens when glamour holds a grudge — a balance of beauty, drama, and control. Inspired by dark art and burlesque sensuality, she is a drag dancer who transforms the stage with every step.

Lexi Nguyen is a passionate singer-songwriter who hopes to bring joy to others through her voice, lyrics, and authenticity. Singing since she was four, once shy and timid, she felt sheltered until music opened her up to others. Her brand is about overcoming obstacles and self-love. She grew up on 80s music, Mariah Carey, and Whitney Houston, and is influenced by Tiffany Young, Dua Lipa, Ariana Grande, Kim Petras, NIKI, Alicia Keys, and more. She has released singles and EPs including Floating on Air, Clouds of Smoke, That Kind of Love, State of Ophelia, and Being and Becoming. She describes her genre as pop with a touch of soul, R&B and 80s.

The Beatbox Panda is a nationally top-ranked beatboxer out of Los Angeles. He began in 2001 and has won competitions around the nation, holding championship titles in Los Angeles and becoming Seattle’s 2019 Beatbox Champion. He travels the USA performing at schools and colleges, spreading a positive message about beatboxing. He has performed at venues such as The Roxy, The Coliseum, The Whiskey, and Troubadour, and shared stages with Snoop Dogg, Childish Gambino, Diplo, Big Sean, XZIBIT, Rahzel, and KRS-One. From rock to EDM to jazz to trap, he recreates full songs, choruses, and backing beats all with just his voice.

Social activist by day, socialite by night. Aleksa Manila is a celebrated and respected drag personality. Originally from Manila, Philippines, she now calls Seattle home. A favorite emcee, host, speaker, and performer across the region, she is a staple from ICON to Seattle Pride, Pridefest, and Seattle Symphony’s Celebrate Asia. Honored with QLaw’s President’s Award, the Bayanihan Lifetime Achievement Award, Mayor Durkan’s Pride Award, and the Dr. Bob Wood Award for Excellence in HIV Prevention. She founded Pride ASIA in 2012 and was a National Drag Ambassador for Drag Out The Vote. Off stage she is a program manager and clinician focused on LGBTQI2+ and BIPOC services.

Jill Quinto is a Filipina-Canadian who grew up in Vancouver, BC. Her music journey started as a young kid performing in recitals, singing competitions, and community events like the Vancouver Philippine Independence Day Festival. She developed her range through high school and traveled the world with competitive choirs. In her early college years she recorded and performed original music with Vancouver label No Plan B Entertainment, including a collaboration with Bay Area’s Jeremy Passion. She later became a lead vocalist with WA’s Prime Time Band. Her influences range from Whitney Houston and India Arie to Alicia Keys, Corinne Bailey Rae, Beyoncé, and Ella Fitzgerald. Her other passion is education and early learning within the BIPOC community.

A-QUEEN is a multi-talented performer: comedy, singing, acting, an educator of performance, a writer, an ordained minister, and a host of all events. So many comedic tools at her disposal, from storytelling to improvisation to physicality and vocal inflection, all combining into a thoroughly entertaining experience. Such skill and talent rarely descends upon us.

DJ CARE is a globally experienced, boundary-pushing artist who has lit up stages from Art Basel Miami Beach, Ultra Music Festival, and Winter Music Conference to spaces in Miami, Seattle, Switzerland, and beyond. With roots in fashion, film, and culture, she has crafted soundtracks for Fashion Week runways and immersive experiences at the Seattle Art Museum and MoPOP, and is a staple at the Orcas Island Film Festival. Wherever she goes, DJ CARE shows up in full frequency, connecting sound, light, and community with an undeniable edge.

aka DJ Anomolly, Molly is a Buddhist, Shiba-loving abstract artist who has been flowing for 7 years, chasing that one moment where body, breath, and universe dissolve. Equal parts energy curator and hope alchemist, gliding between dance and dreamstate.

Jesse has been part of the EDM scene for three years, sharing vibrant light shows via fan and triquetra flow arts. She also enjoys drawing, wood-burning, and roller skating.

Crystyl is known as Seattle’s GlitterMILF. She serves you healthy portions of glam with filling sides of camp, raunch, fun, freaky, and fierceness. She is Seattle Gay News’ Best Drag Performer of 2024 and has held titles of MX Community 22/23 and MX King County 2021-2023. You can find her on stages from Portland to Bellingham.

Mary Elizabeth (she/her) is a queer pole dancer, contortionist, and instructor. Originally from Chicago, she performed, competed, and taught throughout the Midwest until moving to Seattle in 2020. She teaches at Raven Studios Seattle and offers personal training at Rain City Fitness. She honors the BIPOC, queer, and trans strippers and sex workers who built the pole industry, and encourages everyone to learn about and advocate for the decriminalization of sex work.

Feral possum.