It's Pride Y'all 2025: United We Shine!

Spikey Van Dykey is a trailblazer in the modern drag king scene, renowned for his electrifying performances that push boundaries and challenge conventions. A true pioneer of the art form, Spikey is celebrated for his spark grinder acts and fire spinning abilities, incorporating high-energy elements that captivate audiences. Known for his over-the-top costuming and theatrical style, he brings an unmatched level of creativity and flair to the stage. His groundbreaking work has been featured in multiple publications, including Elle magazine’s About Face series, The New York Times, BuzzFeed, and various web series, solidifying his status as a leading force in the world of drag performance. 

She is a vibe! N’spire Walker is a native of Meridian, Mississippi and is an embodiment of her name. She is a vibe and sets a mood through her music and enjoys teaching line dance class. She is the owner of N’spired Afrocise L.L.C., in which she is the instructor for the Vibe’N Line Dance Crew, and she is a middle school science teacher. She is married to Carvan Walker, co-parent to Carmen Carter, god-mother of Jordan Walker, and pet mom to Ima (cat), and Zuri (dog). N’spire’s mission is “To inspire others to live life in total health, while connecting it to their dreams.” In case you are intrigued and would like to check out some of her music: A few of her songs include (but not limited to) “Mississippi Lady”, “Blue White Drip”, “Ready to Ride”, & “Birthday Bounce.” Enjoy vibing with N’spire Walker! 

Kicking was started by guitarist David Burns and vocalist Bobbie Flanders in the winter of 2016, with the lineup being completed by bassist Lacy Ellinwood and co-guitarist Sarah Grace Shepherd in early 2017, and finally with the addition of current drummer Austin Tingle at the start of 2023. It wouldn’t be difficult to categorize Kicking with over-used, hip but otherwise irrelevant genre buzzwords, but that would be doing a disservice to the sound. Kicking draws influence from 90’s alt rock and grunge giants to the more subdued elements of shoegaze and post punk, with traces of hardcore and riotgrrl still showing proudly through, all while trying to create music that is authentic to the individual members.  Kicking is a volume dream. Kicking is a bunch of grungy, shoegazing punx. Kicking is a band from Jackson, Mississippi.

The Neon Dance Party was such a hit in 2024, we are bringing it back in 2025!  Glow sticks, necklaces, and bracelets will be passed around and an amazing light display will provide the setting for a fun evening dancing in the street under the night sky as the sun sets!  DJ Citizen Jane will bring all the favorite beats and vibes for you to celebrate Pride!  Cannot wait to dance! 

Myss Houdie is a Mississippi-born artist whose sound weaves blues, soul, and hip-hop into a raw, Southern-rooted narrative. Her music is shaped by the spirit of her environment — the grit of Mississippi life, the depth of Southern storytelling, and the emotional pull of live performance.  She was featured recently at The Workout Room (Jackson Indie Music Week Edition), at Late Night with Rita Brent, The Bona Fide, and Locals Only: A Mississippi Music Showcase, and Spook Fest.  Myss Houdie appeals to a wide range of music lovers. Her rap lyrics are thought provoking. Her voice is provocative and sultry.

Dollhaus is an all trans alternative rock band from the Mississippi Gulf Coast fronted by renowned musician Charlotte Palmer. Sparked by the idea of gathering some of the most talented local trans musicians into a sort of supergroup, they quickly shaped their own unique sound and built close friendships along the way.  Inspired by bands like Modern Baseball, Fall Out Boy and Mom Jeans, they bring an energetic and emotional sound to venues all across the south.

Ta’Caiya (Sadè) is a 25-year-old writer, poet, chef, and creative director and curator who resides in Ridgeland, Mississippi. She currently works for the Good Guys 601 while spreading her outspoken soul and words wherever and however she can. Writing since she was ten years old, her poetry has always been her outlet to express her feelings and complex thoughts.  She is a member of Thee Groove Collective.  She hopes to become a world-known writer and chef while still dabbling in the fashion world from time to time.  "All in all, the world will know me, for me."  

Destiny B. (bleu-jean) is a 24-year-old multidisciplinary artist bred and born in Jackson, Mississippi. Though she typically focuses on writing and performing poetry, she also has her hands in the wardrobe styling, songwriting, and event curating bowl!  Her career began a mere two years ago performing at open mics and planning events in the art community with an organization that she’s proud to be part of called Thee Groove Collective.  Through writing, she regained a sense of self, motivation, and confidence to be more than she could’ve ever dreamed. With this newfound confidence, she was reborn again as “bleu-jean,” paying homage to her late grandmother Betty “Jean” and her love for fashion, denim specifically.  Her powerful and charisma-fueled words are formed through unique experiences in her day-to-day life.  She writes and performs in a way that is relatable enough for people to understand who she is while also leaving space for people to see themselves in her work.   In her own words: “I was destined to reach people without touching them and open their eyes to what they couldn’t see before. My purpose was made apparently clear the first time I stepped on stage. Finding that purpose made life worth enjoying, not just living.” 

DJ KND is a man of many names, a jack of many trades. He also goes by the name Kydd. He is a fast-rising young talent coming out of Jackson, Mississippi, and he is a member of Thee Groove Collective. With his love for everything music, he intends to use the medium as a universal language to connect people from all walks of life and bring back fun. 

Brandon Andrews was born and raised in small-town south Mississippi. Through the years, he proudly laid his musical roots in beautiful New Orleans, Louisiana. From singing his first solos in elementary school, to growing up performing in church, Brandon has always had a gift to deliver a contagious joy and energy with a side dish of love and encouragement that continues to excite and inspire audiences of all backgrounds. In 2017, Brandon went public with his intense struggle with alcoholism and addiction. Brandon now claims sobriety as a lifelong journey, continued one day at time. Sharing his story, experience, strength, and hope is something Brandon finds necessary as a means to continue his path of progress rather than perfection. Brandon is a proud and unashamed member of the LGBT+ community and continues to share his story, both struggles and victories, boldly, openly, and honestly and always seasoned with love. Brandon prides himself in writing a variety of music – some songs that bring joy, some songs that gently tug at your heart strings – but always songs that echo LOVE! In December of 2020, Brandon joined forces with power-house vocalist and New Orleans fixture, Amy Trail. The two co-wrote, co-produced, and released their song “Missing You At Christmas.” The heartwarming tune made its radio debut on the famed New Orleans station, WWOZ FM, and saw great success with well over 5,000 streams within a week of its release. To kick off 2021, Brandon introduced his new sound which has been fittingly described as “New Orleans Pop.” Brandon’s reintroduction release is the uplifting and energetic bop, “Love Is Love,” which was produced by his lifelong friend and co-creator, Los Angeles based artist, LEEANNA. 

I am a proud New Orleans native with over 26 years of dedicated service to my community.  As a caseworker for the first LGBTQIA+ shelter in Mississippi, the seventh in the nation, I am deeply committed to advocacy and support for marginalized individuals.  My passion for service extends to my roles as a peer supporter, a board member for Grace House in Jackson, MS, and as a member of the Awakening Love Committee.  Beyond my professional work, I believe that laughter is food for the soul and a powerful stress reliever.  In my spare time, I find joy in entertaining, spending time with my family, and investing in my community.  To me, family extends beyond blood -- it includes everyone working toward a more inclusive and compassionate world.  I believe that understanding different cultures, backgrounds, and experiences breaks down barriers and fosters empathy, respect, and unity.

Séraphina was born in Jackson, MS but spent her childhood in Ocean Springs. She moved back to Jackson a few years ago.  She is currently a Biomedical Sciences and Chemistry double major, with a graduation date in 2025. She plans on applying to medical school in hopes of becoming a pediatric surgeon.  Unfortunately, she was one of the ones affected financially by the  COVID-19 Pandemic and forced to put a pause on her education, with only a few more courses to finish. For a few years in college, she spent time traveling Europe and South America to study the Spanish language, as well as participating in an organic chemistry internship. She never really knew anything about the gay scene growing up, other than what she saw on tumblr and television at the time. She didn’t really know about drag until her freshman year of college, which brought her to love Drag Race. She didn’t try drag until her junior year of college. She watched Drag Race and assumed it wasn’t that difficult. She found a local show happening in Hattiesburg, MS (2019) and was blessed to have a spotlight performance. This was when Sèraphina was born. Ever since then, she's traveled between Pensacola, Mobile, New Orleans, and Hattiesburg trying to make a mark and gain experience. She would describe her performances as high energy and emotional. Sometimes drag really feels like the only way she could express how she feels. She would really like to change the perspective of drag. She says, "I know I can’t change how people think but you can definitely show them the reality. Drag isn’t a crime. I’m honestly hoping to just inspire others who want to do drag to just do it! Everything isn’t going to be perfect when you start but you've gotta remember that diamonds are found in the roughest areas.”