Free Queer Arts Athens event highlights local hip-hop, drag, stand-up comedy and burlesque

If award-winning Athens hip-hop artist Cassie Chantel and long-running drag troupe Athens Showgirl Cabaret aren't names you're used to seeing on the same bill, that's kind of the point of what Queer Arts Athens is trying to achieve.

The local organization's inaugural event, "Professor Q's Quorum of Quintessential Queers: A Queer Cabaret," is scheduled to take place June 30 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Nuçi's Space. Admission is free, and the show will be followed by a dance party ending at 11 p.m.

In addition to Chantel and Athens Showgirl Cabaret, the lineup of LGBTQ+ and ally artists includes bassist and vocalist Assata Bellegarde, musical theater performer Brooke McCarthy, singer Joy Ovington, Boulevard Burlesque Company, stand-up comedian Miles Bunch and poet Ark.

"Now, more than ever, is the time for leaders of marginalized groups to come together to show alliance," Chantel told the Banner-Herald. "I hope in doing so there will be a chain reaction of unity from all sides."

Queer Arts Athens founder David Cowan will emcee the show in character as "Professor Q," and Nightshade Family, Maeam and Christee Darling are set to be the DJs for the evening.

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Cowan's list of credits include an episode of HBO’s "Watchmen," indie films and commercials, but after he graduated with an MFA in performance from The University of Georgia last year, he wanted to create something with Athens-area LGBTQ+ artists that allowed him to better express his queer identity.

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"I just wanted to put on a show," Cowan told the Banner-Herald. "It's easy to lose yourself in the grind of being a working actor, and the idea of getting Athens artists together to create something was really exciting. It has grown from being my show to being our show, and it's for the community."

After applying for and winning The Athens Cultural Affairs Commission's Spring 2022 Arts in Community Award, Queer Arts Athens received a $2,000 award to fund the Queer Cabaret project. Cowan said that Nuçi's Space was enthusiastic about his proposal to host the event, which will mark the first for Queer Arts Athens.

Cowan, who grew up in Boise, Idaho, was inspired to create the Professor Q character after taking a class on LGBTQ+ history.

"I realized that a lot of the achievements of queer activists had been hidden from me," said Cowan. "In between the show's performances, Professor Q will come out and give a few lessons from what I learned in that class."

For detailed information, visit queerartsathens.com.