Holiday Market Will Feature Wares by LGBTQ Artists
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio — The Rust Belt Theater Co. and Club Switch will host an evening of local artwork and live music on Nov. 27 from 6 to 10 p.m. to celebrate Small Business Saturday. The event will highlight the work of local LGBTQIA+ artists, business owners and allies.
“It’s been a very difficult two years for local artists and small business owners, particularly in minority communities,” said Robert Dennick Joki., owner and director of Rust Belt Theater and a jewelry designer. “We decided to put this event together to encourage people to shop small, and local, this holiday season.”
The evening will include performances by the cast of Rust Belt’s original musical “How The Drag Queen Stole Christmas” and feature the vocal stylings of performance artist Crash the Great.
Crash the Great, of Youngstown, is a singer-songwriter and pianist whose repertoire includes both original material as well as stylized covers ranging from pop, to rock, to jazz.
“Crash in an incredible, charismatic performer who reminds me of a young Stefani Germanotta,” Joki says. “That’s why I tell people they are the Lady Gaga of Youngstown.”
The event will include a wide assortment of local artists and vendors who will sell their holiday wares, including Burke Lizzie Designs, Medusa’s Adornments, Rachel Lynn Clifford, Live Deliciously Designs By Robert Dennick Joki, Full Spectrum Community Outreach, Dream In Color, Dumplin’ Etc, Tammy Dee’s Sweet Treats, Tawdry Hepburn’s Vintage Closet, Camp Circle JJ, Salon Mystic, Festive Sunshine Jewelry, Simply Peaceful, Humble Bumble Massage, Amelia K Underground, The Artwork of Dalton Fowler, and more.
A silent auction with items from each of the vendors will benefit All About The Pawz, a local nonprofit animal rescue group. Patrons will also be treated to hors d’oeuvres, giveaways, wine specials and more surprises.
Admission is free. Club Switch is located at 221 Belmont Ave., downtown.
Pictured: Crash the Great
Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
