performer

Alisha Day

Alisha Day is a Fabulous Drag performer born in Newark, NJ. She is an essential worker by day, working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. By night she is a fabulous drag queen. Alisha is known for her high energy performances and fabulous hosting. She performs all throughout the tri-state area. Alisha Day is host and co-producer of Brick City Drag with her business partner Dr. Kareem Willis. This brunch experiences allows Alisha to use the powers of drag to create space for LGBTQ+ individuals, especially queer black and brown individuals in the greater Newark...

Leslie Oliver

Rev. Leslie Oliver hails from 4 generations of preachers and worship leaders. Born in Newark, N.J., she holds a B.A. in English from Rutgers University, an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from Full Sail University. and a M.Div in Pastoral Care from Union Presbyterian Seminary. She joined the Unity Fellowship Church Movement in 1993 and became a deacon in 1997, and a Minister in 2002 at Liberation in Truth Unity Fellowship Church, under the leadership of Pastor Jacquelyn Holland. She relocated to Charlotte in 2004, and served as Minister of Praise Arts at Unity Fellowship Church Charlotte under the...

Darryl Rochester

After graduating from Weequahic High School in 1971, Darryl Wayne Rochester (March 27, 1953-December 8, 2020) studied dance under the tutelage of Kay Thompson Payne, co-owner of the then well-known Thompson Dance Studio of Newark. He became one of her star pupils. One evening Kay invited Darryl to accompany her to her dance class at the Dance Theater of Harlem in New York. The experience was very intimidating and he left there feeling somewhat inadequate and less confident in his ability as a dancer.  Darryl had an urgent feeling to obtain additional training in dance from a highly...

* Lovari

Born and raised in Queens, and now a resident of Newark, singer/actor Lovari has released his new album "The Rhythm Of Life" (currently on Amazon's Bestseller Soul Chart). A collection of twelve original songs and two remakes, including the title track and Mariah Carey's "Around You", the project is inspired by the sounds of the early 90s r&b/pop genre. The single "Crush On You" reached #2 on SpinReports' R&B chart and the music video "Paparazzi" was featured in the Top Ten of I'm So Newark Short Film Series Contest. 

Lovari's 2017 film projects include a "Peace Of The...

Douglas Says

There’s an impressive résumé attached to the name Douglas Says, which includes working with a list of celebrity photographers such as; Mike Ruiz, Fadil Berisha, Alex Chatelain, Ghillian Lewin,  Marc Baptiste, Dah Len, Keith Majors, Anthony Barboza, Joe Grant, Ernest Collins, Martha Camarillo and Jerry Jack. It is often said by stylist, that Douglas Says… is one of the most important, yet under exposed designers around. Douglas is one of the undergrounds, best kept secrets! He’s a classically trained designer, with knowledge of fashions historical pass, yet firmly looking forward into tomorrow...

Gary Paul Wright

Gary Paul Wright is the Founder and Executive Director of the African American Office of Gay Concerns.  He is very active within the LGBTQ community in Newark, New Jersey, where he  served two 3-year terms as a Charter Member of the City of Newark’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning (LGBTQ) Mayoral Advisory Commission (through July, 2014).  He was appointed to the Essex County Executive’s LGBTQ Advisory Board in 2011, and is currently serving a second three-year term as well.  Gary Paul also served as a Charter Board Member of the newly established Newark LGBTQ Community...

Marc Sir Dane

Marc Sir Dane - MSD is one of the most exciting and sensational live performers on the music (“Real Music”) trip today!  He has been the opening act for such musical artists as Stephanie Mills, The Times and more.  The real essence of his musical genius is his powerful vocals – strong, sexy, and soulful. He is like no other male artist on the scene today. 
 
Sir Dane was born and raised in Savannah, Georgia.  He was nurtured by creative individuals with talents in music, dance, theatre, fashion design, lighting design, and set concepts. As a young musical director for the local...

Rodney Gilbert

Rodney Gilbert (July 27, 1967 - November 8, 2017) was the founder and CEO of Yendor Productions, a Newark-based firm that consults, develops, and produces arts education programming and events. Yendor Productions was founded in 2003 to meet the challenges for the under served artists and communities. Mr. Gilbert has worked in professional theatre for over thirty years. He was a graduate of the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, where he earned a BFA.  He served the arts community through acting instruction for various institutions and organization as one of the leading teaching artists...

Yvonne Hernandez

Native born. Yvonne Hernandez is an actress, director and writer. Her plays have been produced and performed at The Manhattan Repertory Theatre and The Elektra Theatre in Times Square. She has written a book titled, Queer Monologues & Short Plays. The monologues and plays from her book made its debut at Alchemical Studio in the Upper Village in New York City. She is now working on her first novel. She performs at the annual Shakespeare's Sonnet Slam at The Namburg Bandshell in Central Park and she has a passion for ballroom dancing. Tango anyone?