Nina West

Nina West is an American drag queen, actor, singer, songwriter, author and LGBTQ+ activist played by Andrew Levitt. She was named the “Most Googled Drag Queen in The World” from 2020-2021 with over 7.8 billion unique searches. She rose to national prominence in 2019 with her appearance on VH1’s Emmy-winning show RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 11, where she placed sixth and won Miss Congeniality. In 2021, she returned to the show as a guest and was anointed “America’s Sweetheart” by RuPaul herself.

She made history at the 71st Primetime Emmy Awards in September 2019 when she became the first-ever person to walk the carpet in full drag, while her season won five Primetime Emmy Awards, including Best Reality Competition Show.

On June 17th, 2020, Nina released a charity partnership with country music legend, Dolly Parton – The “Dolly X Nina: Kindness is Queen” Collection – with all proceeds going to the Dolly Parton Imagination Library and The Nina West Foundation to benefit LGBTQ+ youth and literacy. It sold out in hours. She has also fronted major advertising campaigns for multinational companies Pepsi, Pantene, Lane Bryant, BOMBAS, Bubly, and Procter and Gamble.

In 2021, she partnered with Nickelodeon and Blue’s Clues for a series of Pride videos that went viral with over 2 million views. Nina hosted the first-ever DISNEY PLUS “This Is Me: PRIDE Celebration Spectacular,” a celebration of the LGBTQ community with Disney classics reinterpreted by LGBTQ artists like Hayley Kiyoko, Todrick Hall, and Alex Newell. She returned to the show in 2022 and performed with Disney Legend Alan Menken in a tribute to Disney Legend Howard Ashman.

Nina headlined the 20th-anniversary national tour of the Broadway Musical HAIRSPRAY from original Producer Jerry Mitchell in the lead role of Edna Turnblad, for which she has received rave reviews for her “vulnerable and subtle performance”. She played over 450 shows in over 80 cities to over 800,000 people nationwide.Nina made her big screen debut as legendary drag queen Divine in 2022’s Award-Winning “WEIRD: THE AL YANKOVIC STORY” starring Daniel Radcliffe.

Her first ever children’s book “THE YOU KIND OF KIND” was released on October 25th 2022, through PA Press with the support of Country Legend Dolly Parton.

The Orphan The Poet

Based out of Columbus, Ohio, alt-rock duo THE ORPHAN THE POET is catching eyes and ears well-beyond their midwest roots, thanks to their electric live show and singalong hooks. The band has made waves all over the country, appearing on festival bills like Firefly Music Festival, Riotfest, and Summerfest and garnering the attention of SiriusXM’s Alt Nation, KROQ in Los Angeles, and BBC’s Radio1. The band kicked off 2022 with the release of their single “Feelin’ Good (Could Be Better)”, which was co-written/co-produced with close-collaborator, Matt Squire (Ariana Grande, Panic! at the Disco, Demi Lovato). The track has already made it’s way to SiriusXM’s Alt Nation, Apple Music’s Alternative Workout, Spotify’s It’s ALT Good, and sync’d for use on FOX Sports during college football season.

The duo found themselves opening for alt-radio favorites Weathers across the country this spring, as well as making festival appearances on the WonderBus + Wonderstruck lineups alongside Lorde, Vampire Weekend, and others. With more releases on the way, THE ORPHAN THE POET is setting the stage for their biggest year yet.THE ORPHAN THE POET is: David Eselgroth + Jake Floyd.

MojoFlo

MojoFlo is a powerhouse Neo-Funk band, known for their infectious rhythms, soulful vocals, and captivating stage performance. Their dynamic live shows feature the group’s vivacious vocalist Amber Knicole. From aerial performances and Soul Train lines to hula hoop choreography and near-cringe-inducing leaps off the drum riser in 6-inch heels this lady has a knack for leaving audiences enthralled. By combining hard hitting horns, seductive melodies and a captivating stage show, MojoFlo has built a fiercely loyal fanbase.

Virginia West and the West Family

Legendary Columbus drag queen Virginia West has been a regular entertainer across Columbus at Axis Night Club, Havana Video Lounge, and Union Cafe for years. Virginia is an accomplished choreographer and is known for her big stage productions. In 2020, West and the West Family opened District West, and drag bar and entertainment venue located in Downtown Columbus. Virginia West serves as the Executive Entertainment Director for District West.

Short North Stage – Rocky Horror Show

Are you ready to shiver with antici… pation? Back on the mainstage for an exciting 6th year, we bring you your favorite fall tradition, The Rocky Horror Show live on stage! In this cult classic, sweethearts Brad and Janet, stuck with a flat tire during a storm, discover the eerie mansion of Dr. Frank-N-Furter. As their innocence is lost, Brad and Janet meet a houseful of wild characters, including a rocking biker and a creepy butler. Through elaborate dances and rock songs, Frank-N-Furter unveils his latest creation: a muscular man named “Rocky.”

Anna and the Annadroids

Anna and The Annadroids are a smart, sexy, and surreal performance art troupe that fuses contemporary dance with aerial dance, fashion, and emotionally provocative themes that explore the human condition. They frequently perform at community events, festivals, corporate and private parties, showcases, and their signature annual productions.

Artistic Director and Choreographer Anna Sullivan created this female empowered troupe in 2005 and has been consistently producing work ever since. Anna’s fascination with human psychology and surrealism inspired her to create The Annadroids in the image of the idealized female form, doll-like clones, with a mission to resist against their robotic conformity. In 2009 Anna won The Greater Columbus Arts Council’s Artistic Excellence Award of $10,000 in 2008 for her production, Clone Zone. In 2013 Anna was awarded Choreographer of the year by Bay Area Dance Watch in San Francisco.

Anna and The Annadroids have performed around the US in cities such as New York, San Francisco, Dallas, Florida, and Ohio. They have been presented by The New York International Fringe Festival, ODC San Francisco, The Garage SF, Yerba Buena Nights SF, The Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus, and CAPA Columbus. Funding organizations such as The Zellerbach Foundation, ODC and The Fleishhacker Foundation, Theater Bay Area CA$H Grants, and The Phyllis Wattis Foundation, The Greater Columbus Artis Council and the Ohio Arts Council have supported Anna and The Annadroids over the years.

DJ Pastel

Pastel was first exposed to the art after being introduced to well known DJ’s based out of Columbus and Cleveland, where she became eager to bring her eclectic flair to the city.With 12+ years experience, she’s since developed a unique style and mix built around her passion for diversity, Inclusion and unconventional sounds coupled with exciting energy.

This natural euphoria helped quickly establish her as one the most sought-after local artist.

Stimulated by the success of her blooming career, Dj Pastel loves expressing the full force of her creativity during every set, and she is thankful for the support and forward momentum the Columbus scene has provided her.

DJ Pastel seeks to discover unique sounds that explore beyond the horizons of a field saturated with unoriginal and repetitive sounds. She continually seeks to mix sounds that are one step ahead of industry trends. Pastel loves giving her audience the opportunity to discover what she believes is the true meaning of music in its purest form.