Saturday, June 11, The Art of Drag is coming to MOCA Toronto! Hosted by DJ Astro, this drag performance will feature several sets with stunning individuals from Toronto’s Queer community including Twysted Miyake-Mugler, Devine Darlin’, Miss Shay Dee, Bangie, Manny Dingo and Tash Riot. The Art of Drag uses MOCA’s space to create ties between the history of drag—more broadly, the expression of gender and sexuality—and the art world. Drag is its own art form, combining performance, theatre, music, fashion and makeup, often pulling from cultural and arts references. This isn’t the first time MOCA has transformed its space to celebrate the art of drag, in November 2019 Sin Wai Kin (formerly, Victoria Sin) performed If I had the words to tell you we wouldn’t be here now.
Please note that doors will open at 7 pm and you must be aged 19+ to attend this programme. Admission to the event includes one drink ticket. Additional drinks can be purchased at a $5 flat rate. Non-alcoholic beverages will also be available.
DJ Artist
DJ Astro began DJing at the age of 12. Starting off only playing music for Schools, Astro began to DJ for weddings and local town events by the age of 16. During his time in University, his Student Union and larger student body had him DJ many parties and events. Now living in Toronto, Astro is a Resident DJ at Canada’s Number 1 Drag bar Crews & Tangos as well as a freelancer across Toronto. Additionally, Astro creates his own EDM compositions as a diary of sorts. He wishes to continue to share music with people for many years to come.
Performers
Bangie is a 21-year-old Drag star from Vancouver, BC. Even though the drag scene on the west coast is huge, it wasn’t until Bangie moved to Toronto that they discovered the art of drag. Drag gives Bangie the freedom to express themselves in a very unique way. It’s a way for Bangie to share inspiring messages and connect with people. When you come to a Miss Bang Coc show, you can expect a high-energy performance with stunning looks, and most importantly, an amazing time!
Manny Dingo is a Drag King that hails from Haliwood, Nova Scotia. He has been performing for 6 years and recently started taking up space in Toronto. He is a powerhouse performer, shy boi and amateur DJ. He serves you a mixture of Prince, Lil Nas X and your favourite fashionable gay uncle. He incorporates gymnastics with voguing, waacking and smooth dance moves across the floor.
Devine Darlin’ is a renowned Toronto-based Queen who has performed internationally over her 15-year Drag career. Her drag includes a touch of old school glam and an acrobatic sensation. Most recently, she has won various titles in and around the Canadian Drag scene. In Devine’s own words, “you can see me twirling up and down the village scene”!
Twysted Miyake-Mugler is a Canadian ballroom artist, founding member of the House of Monroe, and a producer on CBX: Canadian Ballroom Extravaganza. Twysted discovered their passion for movement and artistic expression at the age of 8 when they joined a hip hop dance group at Firgrove Community Centre in Toronto’s Jane & Finch neighbourhood. At the age of 16, Twysted found an entirely new form of dance that embraced the femininity of Black gay men: the art of vogue. Twysted began teaching themselves how to vogue and started to connect with the international ballroom scene. In April 2008, they joined the Canadian House of Monroe as a founding member and walked their first ball. Since then, Twysted has won balls locally and internationally, and is one of the people bringing ballroom to higher heights in Canada!
Tash Riot, originally from Australia, is a Toronto-based drag queen who quickly took the scene by storm upon her arrival. You can always expect Tash to deliver high energy performances and witty banter—you know she’s an absolute RIOT. Now known as “queen of the lesbians” Tash is outspoken about queer inclusivity and has pushed the Toronto scene to provide more space and visibility for womxn and afab (assigned female at birth) individuals. She is proud to be the first afab performer to be on the regular roster of queens at many stages in the Gay Village. As a performer she has been billed alongside the likes of Willam, Alaska and Brooke Lynn Hytes. Tash is a trained singer, dancer and actor, having graduated from the Queensland Conservatorium of Music’s prestigious Bachelor of Musical Theatre program.
Miss Shay Dee has been inspiring and empowering youth and young adults through the art of dance and drag for the past 6 years. She was born in Mexico, raised in the U.S and now living in Canada. As a new performer and entertainer in Toronto, Miss Shay Dee serves all her dancing skills to the show. Although her “Miss Shay Dee” persona may imply a sense of “shady,” she is kind, lovable and always looking to shine a ray of light onto everyone’s day. Miss Shay Dee is a strong supporter of diversity and inclusion, and she is in collaboration with many organizations such as You Do You Foundation, BollyHeelsTO, The Stem Cell Club, The Concerned Kids +, Drag Academy, Fabulous Me, Jessica Garces Photography and The Haus of ShayDee. Miss Shay Dee is known now as a recording artist signed with SoFierce Music Entertainment, actor featured in Private Eyes on Global TV Network and Toronto’s latin sensation!
