On a Friday evening in late March, excitement and nervous energy bubbled backstage as 30 performers got ready to take the stage at The Center’s Got Talent.
Returning for its second year, this variety show featured an array of talented LGBTQ+ singers, dancers, drag performers, comedy acts, and musicians. The show provided a platform for local entertainers to showcase their talents in front of a crowd of 113 community members.
While The Center’s Got Talent featured performers of all ages, many of the cast were members of The Center’s older adults’ program, West of 50, including Avis Blankenship (she/her).
Avis has been a loyal community member for over two years, attending social events, art studio time, community groups, and more programming provided by West of 50. She has also explored the art of drag during this time, developing her own drag personas – CowPoke Avi and Ava Blu - and hosting several bingo and karaoke events for the program in drag.
“It’s been two years since CowPoke Avi hit the town, playing the first song I learned on harmonica – Neil Young’s ‘Heart of Gold,’” reminisced Avis. “I can play six other songs now!”
Avis’ recent foray into the performance world began in September of 2022, when she learned about the Sage Singers chorus for queer older adults while attending programming at The Center. She joined the chorus shortly after.
“I remember at my first concert with the Sage Singers, I was overcome with elation, and I almost felt high. I know now that I was experiencing performance adrenaline. I just felt so happy to be there,” said Avis.
Two years later, Avis took the stage as The Center’s Got Talent in her feminine drag persona – Ava Blu.
“There I was, backstage at The Center’s second annual talent show. I was dressed up as Ava Blu, waiting for my cue,” Avis shared. “Performance adrenaline had begun to flow through my veins – I recognized the now familiar feeling immediately.”
Avis’ confidence has grown through her years of performance experience. “Walking on the stage was no problem. I knew I looked good and sexy,” she shared with a smile.
Her bolstered confidence has proved important in keeping her cool when things don’t always go to plan. At this year’s talent show, “the music started, and it was the wrong music! At the last minute, I had skipped the sound check – could be that the performance adrenaline had already kicked in when I had that lapse in judgement,” Avis laughed.
“Nonetheless, I played on. I believe I sang well. The harmonica sounded off and I didn’t play as well as had hoped, but I applied what I learned from my voice teacher – you just have to sell it!”
Despite the technical hiccups, Avis reminisced fondly on The Center’s Got Talent. “What a challenge, what fun, I’m diggin’ it!”
“I learned my lessons,” she said with a smile. “Always do a sound check, always warm up my voice, and always lead with love. With this, I won’t get lost or have any regrets.”
“I owe a debt of gratitude to The Center’s West of 50 program for providing the space and the support for me to explore being a performer,” said Avis. “This has put an extra special light in my life.”