~ Kids Corner ~
Balena Canto
Balena Canto (she/her) is Philly’s song-wielding siren with a voice snatched for the gods! Born on the southern coast of Italia, Balena Canto sang out to sea conjuring a passing humpback whale who took her to a distant and mysterious land called “Philadelphia.” Balena’s favorite thing about her home is a local delicacy called, “water ice” (helps soothe the singer’s throat). Balena’s mission in life is to bring joy, laughter, and perhaps a tear or two (she is an opera singer after all) to her audiences through song. She firmly believes in the transformative and healing power of music and the performing arts. She has already made a name for herself performing in and producing many of the leading drag shows and competitions in Greater Philadelphia. Just like the iconic Whitney Houston, Balena believes that, “the children are our future,” and frequently hosts Drag Queen Story Times at many of the area’s libraries teaching the next generation about diversity, self love, creativity, and acceptance.
~ Gazebo ~
VinChelle
VinChelle is the Tri State Tribal Queen on the scene!! She performs consistently in Philadelphia, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland. She was voted 2017 Philadelphia drag queen of the year as well as best hostess. While running Shea Butter Werk productions, she host and produces several shows in the tri-state area including “Black Girl Magic” a show highlighting local black entertainers, voted Philadelphia’s best monthly show two years in a row! Her main purpose in drag is to make sure you have a good time as well as use her platform to promote black excellence and spread her African culture!!
Just Mad Nice
Alveena Khoday
Alveena Khoday, a graduating senior at Lower Merion High School, is very excited to be part of Pride at the Park! She has been singing and playing the piano for over eleven years and has performed at various events. She recently released an album on all major music streaming platforms, Phases, and is continuing her songwriting journey at UCLA. Some of her musical influences include Lana Del Rey, Melanie Martinez, and Adele. She can’t wait to perform for everyone this June!
St. John’s Wort
St. John’s Wort is the alt-rnb project of vibraphonist and songwriter Salina Kuo. Their release, “my kind of love,” features lush instrumental arrangements of horns, synth and rhythm section that complement a range of moods from vulnerable and dreamy, sapphic track, “close to u” to groovy title-track, “my kind of love.”
Kai Sherman
Kennedy Shaw
Kennedy Shaw is a Philadelphia based songwriter originally from South Jersey. Formerly fronting Makeoutgrrl, Kennedy focuses her writing on heartbreak, coming into oneself, & the angst of your early 20s.
Pride at the Park 