FESTIVAL
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PERFORMERS BIOS
BIG FREEDIA
Known as the larger-than-life ambassador of New Orleans Bounce music, Big Freedia is a nationally recognized hip-hop artist, TV personality and cultural influencer.
The tireless mogul broke into television in 2013 with Fuse’s Big Freedia Bounces Back, released her memoir “Big Freedia: God Save The Queen Diva” in 2015, and is on track to open her very own Hotel Freedia in New Orleans in 2025. Her latest album Central City, released in June 2023, reaffirms her commitment to music as her first and primary love, combining influences of old-school hip-hop, brass marching bands, and futuristic production from the likes of Mannie Fresh, BlaqNmilD, and Gold Glove.
In addition to releasing her own critically acclaimed EPs, ‘3rd Ward Bounce’ (2018), ‘Louder’ (2020), and ‘Big Diva Energy’ (2021), Big Freedia, also known as the Queen of New Orleans Bounce, appeared on numerous high profile projects, including Beyoncé’s Grammy award-winning, “Break My Soul” and “Formation,” and on Drake’s “Nice For What,” where she brings her distinctive voice and signature catchphrases to all her work.
In June 2023, Big Freedia premiered the new tv show, ‘Big Freedia Means Business,’ chronicling her triumphs in music, business, and life. The show follows her journey as an entrepreneur, through the process of opening her hotel while simultaneously developing her own line of cannabis, eyewear,
and cosmetics.
Big Freedia is known for her infectious energy and personality. In 2019, she was the official host for the Met Gala IG Live Stream Red Carpet event and a host of 2021's Dick Clark’s Rockin’ New Year’s Eve TV celebration. Known by her fans as the “Queen Diva,” Big Freedia is a loud and proud advocate for racial and gender equality and LGBTQ+ rights.
In 2021, Big Freedia made Ebony’s Power 100 list. She has appeared on CBS This Morning, The Breakfast Club, The Problem with Jon Stewart, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, The Beat with Ari Melber, The Real, and more.
ANDRE ISAACS
Dr. André Isaacs (he/him/his) is an Associate Professor of Chemistry at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA. In addition to teaching courses in Organic Chemistry, he conducts and publishes research in the area of copper-mediated organic reactions and synthesis. He uses his online platform to challenge the normative STEM culture and demonstrate what an inclusive space could look like for the next generation of scientists, primarily those with marginalized identities. He’s been featured on the Today Show, Good Morning America and received the Department of Justice Gerald B. Roemer Community Service Award for LGBTQ+ outreach in academia.
AMANDA SHEA
Three-time Boston Music Award-winning Spoken Word artist Amanda Shea is a Black, queer creative at the intersection of poetry, music, social justice, and culture. WBUR lauds her EP God Again as “bridging the gap between poetry and music,” seamlessly blending spoken word with genres like hip-hop, rap, rock, opera, jazz, R&B, and contemporary sounds. With work featured in the Museum of Fine Arts, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, The Boston Globe, TEDx, Netflix, Prime Video, BBC News, and GBH, Shea’s voice honors African and Puerto Rican oral traditions, while pushing the boundaries of what poetry can be—and who can access it. Her art reflects her personal life, explores social justice issues, and serves as a tool for healing through trauma. Shea is described by Boston Globe culture columnist Jenee Osterheldt as a “connector of creativity and community.
CURTIS SANTOS
Curtis Santos is a passionate community leader and advocate, committed to advancing social equity, particularly within the LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities. He is the Executive Director of the Boston Lesbigay Urban Foundation (BLU), where he plays a crucial role in developing initiatives focused on health equity, re-entry programs, and the empowerment of marginalized groups. Curtis is deeply involved in building and nurturing partnerships with local organizations, healthcare institutions, and other community stakeholders to foster inclusivity and support systemic change.
A key focus of his work is advocating for better access to healthcare, especially for Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) individuals, and those within the LGBTQ+ community who have historically faced discrimination and barriers to care. He is particularly passionate about addressing the inequities in healthcare and ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their background, have access to the services they need to thrive.
Curtis has been instrumental in organizing events like Boston Black Pride, aiming to highlight and celebrate the identities of Black LGBTQ+ individuals. His leadership is also evident in the development of educational programming, community-building efforts, and advocacy initiatives aimed at creating safer spaces and fostering a sense of belonging for LGBTQ+ individuals, especially those of color.
DJ WHYSHAM
DJ WhySham “From The 617 To Your BackYard” is a Recording Academy Voting
Member (Class of 2023), 4x Nominated DJ, Producer and Songwriter. From Boston
Calling to Boston Celtics, she has fulfilled the roles as #YourCommunityDJ. She is a
God-Parent, Sister, Activist and Traveler.
WhySham is the CEO/Founder of Boston Got Next and The Social Justice Trap
Movement, Inc (formerly known as Bringing Back Boston) where multidisciplinary
arts is used to create and curate events addressing trauma, mental and public health
issues. BGN focuses on womxn and/or men who identify as LGBTQ+, were previously
incarcerated, and/or homeless who have experienced inequalities in the entertainment industry.
DJ AGA
Providing upbeat, infectious dance grooves and a feel-good atmosphere, nightclub DJ and musician, Greg Agahigian, known as DJ AGA has been spinning upbeat and energetic sounds in and around New England since 1986. AGA doesn’t just play a planned setlist, he plays to the crowd in front of him, always taking people on a musical journey of new and classic tracks. AGA is all about keeping things fresh and bringing back some of the old with a new twist as well as constantly mixing today’s hottest and newest music. “For me, it’s all about the mood and groove… playing those tracks that make you tap your feet and nod your head without you realizing it, regardless of genre, tempo, style or release date” AGA blends progressive and vocal house along with Tribal and Top 40 dance mixes to energetic crowds in and around New England and has been front and center in New England’s Gay Nightlife and is a strong ally and member of the LGBTQ community.
RLETTO
Rletto, recently competed on NBC's The Voice Season 25 on team Chance The Rapper, placing in the Top 20! Rletto has worked closely under superstars such as Cardi B and Lil Nas X. He has also worked with major networks such as MTV, BET, Netflix and so many more. From having multiple commercial song placements to singing the National Anthem at legendary arenas and stadiums for thousands, Rletto has had great success in his career thus far and is only rising with each opportunity that is presented!
THE ICONIC DIVAS
The Iconic Divas are complete opposites who come together to form an unbreakable friendship. Diva serves refined glamour, while Ryconic delivers carefree rocks and roll, truly giving you the best of both worlds. This unlikely duo's talent really shines in their love for theatrical performances. Get ready for a show like no other when these two leading ladies take the stage.
QWAM X WE THE FEMALES
QWAM is an all men dance team of LGBTQIA+ community members and allies founded in 2016 as an idea to get a group of friends together. QWAM's mission is to represent, and hopefully bring confidence, to those who identify as other by expressing and communicating our truest selves through our dancing. We The Females is an all-women dance company founded in 2019 with a mission to empower all women of all ages through the art of dance.
WTF takes a special interest in locally owned businesses, fashion, community service, and youth outreach, and believes it is as important to invest in the community we take part in as it is to help lead it. Together, the collaboration of QWAM and WTF looks to empower and celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community and our freedom of expression through our love of dance.
BOOTY VORTEX
Are you ready? Some of the finest, funkiest musicians from across New England have banded together to play the grooviest tunes from the 70s. These timeless disco, funk songs will have you shakin' what yo' mama gave ya! The heat we bring is guaranteed to knock you off your feet! If your dancing shoes are staring at you woefully from the back of the closet, or if you just love to dance then you need to spend some time with us! Renew your spirit, get your groove on and experience the power of Booty Vortex!
TALLULAH CIRQUE
Aims to bring magic to every act that she creates!
RICHARD PARRIS SCOTT & THE BAND
Richard Parris Scott & The Band performs funk, soul, & jazz music with a fresh sound and focus on live performance and original music from the Western Mass area.