2026 STAGE PERFORMING ARTISTS
Master Sen Gao
Bian lian (lit: “face changing”) is a secret performance art rarely seen outside China. The face-changing technique was passed down within families, and it is only within the last 30 years or so that it has started to spread more widely. Traditionally, only men performed bian lian, but that has also begun to change in recent years.
The Lion Dance is a traditional Chinese art that is passed down from generation to generation. It is usually performed by two people – one in front and one in back – and showcases some martial arts moves. The lion dance is considered to be an auspicious thing to drive away evil spirits, avoid harm, and promote prosperity.
Chinese Kung Fu includes a wide variety of styles and techniques, such as Shaolin Kung Fu, Tai Chi, Wing Chun, and many others. These styles may focus on hard power or soft power, fast movements or slow, internal energy (Qi) or external strength. Beyond combat, Kung Fu teaches discipline, respect, perseverance, and moral character. It is not only a way to train the body but also a path to cultivate the spirit.
Boom Boom Shake
Boom Boom Shake is a dynamic performance group that blends Middle Eastern music and dance with modern influences.The group emphasizes a fusion of traditional belly dance with contemporary styles, creating a unique experience.
R L J Q, Afro-Cuban Jazz
RLJQ is a dynamic Afro-Cuban Jazz quartet based in Ohio. The group is led by the renowned Puerto Rican percussionist and drummer Rolando Matias. RLJQ seamlessly fuses Afro-rhythms with jazz, skillfully maintaining the essence of both genres in their vibrant performances.
Kenya Safari Acrobats
Kenya Safari Acrobatic Show is a high-energy, family-friendly performance bringing the excitement, rhythm, and cultural spirit of East Africa to audiences of all ages. Founded by Karen“Masika” Makange, the show has been entertaining audiences across the United States since 1998 with breathtaking acrobatics, balancing acts, comedy, dance, and crowd interaction. The show blends African cultural storytelling with modern circus-style performance.Each performance celebrates heritage, teamwork, strength, and unity while giving audiences a lively and memorable taste of African culture.
The Valley Belles
The Valley Belles are a retro all-female singing group, bringing you sweet harmonies, vintage fashion, and powerhouse vocals. The group pays homage to girl groups of the past like the Chordettes, The Supremes, and the Andrews Sisters. Their set includes covers spanning from the 1920s to the 1970s of classic tunes you know and love. The Valley Belles are located in the Southeast Ohio area, spreading their love for all things vintage across the Mid-Ohio Valley
Sho-JoJi - Japanese Dance
The SHO-JO-JI DANCERS are a JAPANESE dance group consisting of young 2nd- through 4th-generation American girls of Japanese ancestry. Mrs. Vi Takahashi, a professional dancer from Japan, organized a children’s dance group. They performed regularly at festivals, civic events, educational, service, and other functions. Vi Takahashi was succeeded by Mrs. Peggy Tangi and then by Mrs. Sally Taketa. The group’s membership is now open to children of mixed, as well as all-Japanese ancestry.
Wayward Dancers
Gabriella Flemenco Academy
Flamenco started in Spain as a mix of music, dance, and pure emotion. The academy is led by two passionate Venezuelan artists. Gabriela Guerrero began dancing flamenco in 1998 and by 15 was the youngest instructor at her city’s first flamenco academy. She’s performed across Venezuela and internationally. Gabriela Vásquez has been dancing since 2007, training in Caracas and later in Madrid’s renowned Amor de Dios Academy. Now she’s sharing her knowledge in Columbus, teaching beginner classes and performing with the academy
The Amazing Giants
The Amazing Giants Sway Poles are a one-of-a-kind act that towers at least 15 ft above audiences, featuring eye-catching costumes and the beauty of a real flying woman. We are the only providers of sway poles in the Midwest and have been featured in several events and festivals across the nation, all based in Columbus, Ohio!
The Local Honeys
The Local Honeys blend traditional Kentucky music with modern soundscapes and original songwriting. Fuzzed-out guitar and a vibey rhythm section set the sonic bedrock to showcase the entwinement of old-time banjo and fiddle styles at the forefront of their sound. The Honeys understand the complexities of contemporary Appalachian life, and their music is reflective of such through raw and emotive songs. The narratives and perspective they weave into song, the deep understanding and endearment they share for hillbilly music, and their undeniable charm make it clear the duo is poised to become defining voices of a new Appalachia.
The Flex Crew
The Flex Crew has redefined Reggae music. The seven members of The Flex Crew hail from a variety of musical backgrounds, resulting in a versatile and high-energy band with a genius array of musical styles. Nowhere else will you hear a comparable mix of Funk, Rhythm and Blues, Soul, Hip Hop and Reggae’s Lover’s Rock, Roots and Dancehall styles.
Originating in Columbus, Ohio, this multi-talented band has been blessing the ears of audiences across the country with its unique style for almost two decades.
The Phoenix Twirlers
The Phoenix Twirlers are an award-winning baton twirling group from Parkersburg. They are focused on creating class-act athletes and developing physical and cognitive skills while creating lifelong friendships and memories. Their members come from areas all over the Mid-Ohio Valley and range in age from 5 to 23. They are the reigning state, regional, national, and international champions and are preparing to compete at two national championships this July to defend their titles.
Tartan Terrors
Tartan Terrors bring their Celtic Invasion to festivals and shows across North America, blending the energy of a rock show with humour and step dance. With a distinctive sound and proud tradition of making Celtic music fun and accessible to any audience, the Terrors have played stages across North America, including The Iridium, Times Square, NYC, Daryl’s House Club, Pawling, NY, Freeman Arts Pavilion, Selbyville, DE, Glasgow Lands Scottish Festival, Florence, MA, and The Celtic Music & Craft Beer Festival in Dunedin, FL.
Ashley Joy and Sarah Braun
Classic Jazz and Swing Dance
High Schools that Rock
Kells Duo
The tunes and songs of Irish immigrants that first echoed through the hills of Appalachia can still be heard influencing Bluegrass, Folk, Rock, and Country music to this day. The Kells Duo draws from these influences to produce a sound that has a unique twist to otherwise familiar tunes, as well as original tunes and songs that hit the soul like a long-lost friend. The Kells Duo is Kim Rattan on Vocals and Guitar with Brian McCoy on Flute, Whistles, and Irish Uilleann (ILL-in) Pipes. Kim’s songs have hit the Christian Charts, and her guitar work was the theme for HGTV’s Curb Appeal. Brian has been featured with several Orchestras and at the National Flute Convention by the invitation of Sir James Galway. Together, they have travelled the world, delighting audiences with their music.
Ugata
Ugata: Drum and Dance is a cultural education and social services organization based in Southeast Ohio. This group is led by Lawrence R Greene, drumming instructor and Artsbridgecatalog artist. He has been performing and teaching West African drum traditions for over 12 years. They perform at festivals, for community organizations, and meet weekly for class at Arts West in Athens, Ohio. Lawrence's goal with Ugatais is to use African arts to bring together a community of dancers and drummers in the Ohio River Valley.
Stallion
Stallion was originally formed in 1981 and performs an upbeat mix of Classic Rock and Radio hits from the 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s+, including popular works from such artists as The Eagles, ZZ Top, Doobie Brothers, Tom Petty, Little Texas, Brooks & Dunn, and Restless Heart that are sure to please. Stallion is comprised of local veteran musicians, most with over 50 years of experience. Although Stallion played continually through the 80s and early 90s, they went their separate ways, taking a hiatus until reforming in 2018 and 2019, but then COVID altered their plans for a few years. They have regrouped again in 2026.