The Center’s Got Talent 2025: Meet Your Performers!

Aiden Holst

I'm mostly known for my dog, Cinnamon, but I've been singing as long as I can remember, inspired by pop music artists like Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, and Hozier. I started singing at church, continued through school choirs, and now I sing for fun - usually not with an audience, but I'm excited to share my progress! I also play ukulele, play Zelda games, and fix and customize Switch consoles in my free time. I'm working on studying for some certifications to start a solid career.

Andy Masterpiece

Andy Masterpiece is a Boulder-based transman who came out in early 2022. Born in Wisconsin, he’s lived in 6 states but has called Colorado home since 2009. He is an evocative story-weaver who loves pouring his heart into his community—inspiring hope by sharing the adventures of his journey thus far. His focus is on rewriting his story to incorporate all parts of himself equally as he embodies his independent artist identity. Finding balance on his path consumes much of his focus. He finds joy in moving, being moved, and challenging his thoughts to align with his values.

August Celestial

August Celestial, MA, CTRS, the Space Dyke of Denver, has been performing around The Mile High City for over two years. They got their start in drag back in 2017 during a turnabout show benefiting the Southern Indiana AIDS Walk and has maintained a strong belief in the political and healing power of drag. In 2021 they graduated with their Master’s in Drama Therapy from Kansas State University having written their thesis on Drag as Drama Therapy. They then were accepted as a research fellow at the Don Kelly Collection at Texas A&M University, where they studied historical drag as a form of Theatre of the Oppressed. August is thrilled to be combining their professional, educational, and artistic skills to provide The Center’s Got Talent for the community of The Center on Colfax.

Banned Transit

Composed entirely of transfemmes, Banned Transit is a folk group formed by Ani Rey Briggs in response to the United States' progressively worsening political climate. The members are: (from left to right) Jessica K (lead guitar), Haven Daye (bass), Michelle Broussard (vocals), Esmé Damaru (percussion), and Ani Rey Briggs (guitar and vocals). Folk music has been used as a means of political dissent in this country for centuries, with the actual name “Folk Music” coined as a term to mean the voice of the uncultured. We believe that being authentic to oneself is counterculture and that folk has never been more important.

Bart Zobel

Bart Zobel's musical journey began in Colorado Springs with early explorations of piano and guitar. After high school, his service in the Navy took him to Hawaii, where he spent most of his adult life. There he immersed himself in the rich culture, learning the Hawaiian language, hula, and taking Ukulele 101 at the University of Hawaii. Bart returned from Hawaii's sunny beaches and ocean breezes to Colorado's majestic mountains and white winters several years ago. He continues to learn new songs on the ukulele mainly for his personal enjoyment, but this evening he's excited to play for you one of his favorite Hawaiian songs, Kawailehua`a`alakahonua by Frank Kawaikapuokalani Hewett.

Emilio

As a teenager in Santa Barbara, California, I started taking classes learning the essential music and steps in Flamenco. Later, I moved to Boulder to enter the Theatre and Dance Department. I began taking a class in Flamenco and performed there and at the Phipps Auditorium in Denver for 10 years. I moved to Grand Junction and started a dance studio where I taught to all age levels for 10 years. I am retired now and only dance for friends and for exercise.

Honda Cervix

Honda Cervix, soon-to-be mega Drag Pop sensation, is a supernova in human form. Southern roots and Colorado ties mold their unique take on black modern queer excellence. As they make their way into a decade of drag, their ever-shining star power illuminates the mile-high city. Blending beauty, musical ability, and charm, Honda will leave you craving more. Honda’s love for pop music, black culture, and drag bleeds into everything they do creating a unique experience for every performance. For today’s extraordinary show Honda channels fellow rising star Chappell Roan for their rendition of Pink Pony Club.

(J)

(J) is a singer-songwriter, MC, and queer open mic host dedicated to diversifying the spaces around them. Blending elements of folk with playful, unexpected twists, their music is both heartfelt and lighthearted—a poetic way to engage with the world. This year, (J) is stepping into more performances, bringing their unique sound to new audiences. Whether on stage or curating spaces for others, their passion for music and community shines through. When not performing, you can find them at Xbar or scouting the best live music in the city. Get ready for a set that’s equal parts soul and whimsy!

John Sackett

John is a proud member of the West of 50 writers’ group (How far West? We're not sure). Along the way, he picked up a wife, kids, and grandkids. So, be kind! John grew up in Kansas, where he played banjo and trombone. He likes folk music and he loves the Kinks. (That's a rock band. What were you thinking?)

Johnnie and the Walkers

A little over a year ago, three members from Sage Singers, a chorus for LGBTQ+ elders and their allies, got together to make music - Fran on violin, Laura on ukulele, and John on almost every other instrument, including but not limited to piano, guitar, drums, electric guitar, bass, and even a shaker or two! With one song under our belts, we auditioned for the Center Talent Show last year. Feeling rather proud of ourselves after playing that one song, we were at a loss when the audition team asked what other songs we played - there were none! Our repertoire has since expanded as well as our group, to include Michael as a wonderful vocalist and Bart on sax. Laura has gone back to her guitar roots and is picking up bass as needed. All in all, we are truly a diverse collection of musicians!

Dr. Jonnette A. Newton

Jonnette is a Native of Philadelphia, PA and was raised in a musical family. Joni received her Bachelor’s degree from Shippensburg University, her Master’s degree from Southern California University, and her Honorary Doctorate from the Denver Institute of Urban Studies in 2015. Joni is a master musician of woodwind instruments. She plays Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Clarinet, Tuba, Baritone Saxophone and many other instruments. Joni taught in the California Unified School District for over 30 years and retired as a principal from Sausalito Marin City School District in the Bay area.

When asked about herself, Joni said “I dedicate my work as a musician and as an educator to the belief that the arts play an essential role in creating a more just and peaceful society. A community of artists and supporters of artists act as resources and have a unique capacity to build bridges of understanding among all peoples. The arts do more than nourish the human spirit. Their practice instills focus and discipline, respect for others, a spirit of collaboration, and many other positive values that make us better citizens of the world. I am grateful to be part of a movement to make sure that the arts flourish in our community.”

Larry Wheeler

Call me Larry, call me Larray. I like Larray because it's so GAY!

Happiness is my name, sunshine and smiles are my game.

Laughter and jokes keep me on the sunny side of the road and away from trouble.

Finding humor in topics we don't normally talk about will be the heart of my comedy routine at The Center’s Got Talent.

So get ready to laugh, I hope you laugh so hard you pee in your pants.

We will enjoy some audience participation so put forth your best when asked to join in the humor of the routine.

A sincere welcome to all my West of 50's family and all who belong to my extended circle of friends. Be Happy!

Dr. H. Malcolm Newton

Brother Malcolm is a former opera singer with New York Opera Theater, Philadelphia Opera Company and Opera Colorado. He plays piano and organ. He is a graduate of Cheyney University (HBCU) Harvard University, Oxford University, and University of Capetown, South Africa. Brother Malcolm is interested in making our world a safe, just, and peaceful society like his big sister Jonnette. His sister has always been Brother Malcolm’s musical inspiration.

Mel Garcia

Mel Garcia is a rare third generation Denver native. He is a retired hairdresser, and his passion is art. Mel loves to sing and has sang with Harmony and the Denver Gay Men’s Chorus.

Michael van Dalsem

Michael van Dalsem pursued a career in the theatre for 25 years, touring throughout the Midwest in such musicals as The Fantasticks (Matt), Cabaret (Emcee), Fiddler on the Roof (Fyedka), The Sound of Music (Rolf), Annie Get Your Gun (several cameos, including the Wild Horse dance solo) and performing in many other reviews, comedies and dramas in Dallas, Los Angeles and New York. After that he became an applications programmer for a worldwide electronics distributor. He is pleased to return for the third Talent Show and honored to be one of your hosts.

Steve Anne

The year was 1974. I willingly was on the streets of New Orleans’s French Quarter and that is where I met a group of various, strippers, trans women, hookers, and drag queens. That was the beginning. I started performing in Drag as Stella Gay Rose and presented totally feminine in public. I moved to Houston, Texas in 1975 and did my best there to present totally male. Exactly 50 years later I am presenting to you Steve Anne, the Second Hand Rose. Since 2020, through The Center I have hosted bingo at Denver Pride, Jeopardy games, karaoke, and The Center’s Got Talent Show as Steve Anne.

I love you,

Steve Anne

Take Note!

Take Note! is the auditioned powerhouse ensemble under the umbrella of the Denver Feminist Chorus! Known for their dynamic versatility, they perform everything from indie and jazz to classical, but their specialty is pop a cappella. With performances across multiple states and placements in a cappella competitions, Take Note! uses their music to champion social issues and spread joy. They're thrilled to present their upcoming concert, Disco Derby, where they’ll share the stage with Off Kilter!, the select ensemble of the Denver Gay Men’s Chorus, on May 3rd at the Aurora Fox Theater.

Zeus

Zeus is a male lead drag performer. He is a transplant from North Carolina and did time in the US Army from 2009 to 2012 and served two years in the army reserves. He started drag in 2012 and has performed in various places around Denver. Zeus has ran for titles in the pageant circuit and was crowned Mr. Gay United States at Large Colorado 2024. He is an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community works to help LGBTQ+ people in the military community. In his spare time when he’s not doing drag, Zeus likes to support the local drag scene, go on hikes, and to cook. You can catch him at Trade or Denver Sweet or Hamburgers Mary’s supporting LGBTQ+ businesses or Black Sky brewery. So sit back and watch this king move and groove for you!

Zoey Foley

Zoey Foley is originally from Los Angeles but recently spent seven years in England before moving to Denver this past October. She enjoys solving and designing puzzles, collecting trivia about math and language, and writing about herself in the third person.

To see all these talented individuals perform, attend The Center's Got Talent on Saturday, March 29! The show will run from 5:30 - 7:30 PM. For more information and to get your tickets, click here.