Santa Cruz Ragtime Festival: A Celebration of Queer Arts

The annual Santa Cruz Ragtime Festival, now in its second year, is all set to return with a bang, showcasing the artistic talents of queer people of color. This vibrant event is designed to give a platform to marginalized artists and provide a unique experience for attendees.

Taking place across various venues in Santa Cruz, including Motion Pacific, Downtown Santa Cruz City Hall, and the Watsonville Center for the Arts, BBQueer Fest promises an exciting line-up of events that cater to different tastes. The festival's signature event is scheduled to take place at Motion Pacific, where guests can enjoy a full spectrum of artistic performances.

One of the featured artists this year is Gregory Dawson from Dawsondancesf, who will join other talented performers and artists in a spectacular display of dance, music, and spoken word. 'It's a night of a full spectrum of the arts,' says Angela Chambers, the event's curator and director.

The festival kicks off with an intriguing dance workshop titled 'A Little Bit of Salsa!' led by Alex Santana and Valentina Velasquez at the Watsonville Center for the Arts. This will be followed by live performances and spoken word sessions on Friday evening at the Santa Cruz City Hall grounds, culminating in an open dance session later that night.

With its diverse range of events and activities, BBQueer Fest aims to break down barriers and provide a platform for queer artists of color to showcase their work. So mark your calendars and get ready to experience the best of Santa Cruz's vibrant arts scene at the 2023 Ragtime Festival.

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