2025 PRIDEFest Headliners
Saturday October 18th, we are highlighting Arkansas performing artists.
From 12-6pm enjoy artists from around the state on Capitol Avenue as we bring an incredible lineup to you.
Purchase your VIP tickets here for exclusive view of stage and Meet and Greats of artists.
Presenting Your
2025 PRIDEFest Entertainers
Stephanie Smittle a native of Cave Springs, Arkansas, Stephanie Smittle (she/her) is a singer and songwriter whose history of engagements includes singing ancient chant in reverberant cathedrals, composing gender-flipped murder ballads in the freak folk tradition, and premiering new art songs by living composers for the recital hall. Her self-titled debut solo album is a collection of ten songs for voice and electric autoharp, which the Arkansas Democrat Gazette called “folk rock from outer space … a stunning self-titled solo debut” from “a skilled and observant lyricist unafraid to express vulnerability and rage and wonder.”
Contact Stephanie at stephaniesmittle@gmail.com
Links: https://www.stephaniesmittle.com/https://www.instagram.com/stephaniesmittle/Stephanie Smittle on Spotify (also streaming on Apple Music + all major platforms)Stephanie Smittle on Venmo
Athena SInclair/ MD Hunter is an activist and well known drag entertainer from right here in Little Rock Arkansas! A crowned Miss Gay Arkansas America in 2021 and represented Arkansas at Miss Gay America in 2022. He was the first Miss Arkansas in 20 years to make top 10 at nationals. Early this year he also competed for Miss Black America, making 2nd runner up! Athena is Miss Central Arkansas Pride
When not on the stage, MD travels all over the US doing his craft HAIR Witch LLC working with celebrities and other performers.
He uses his voice to fight for those in this community. From BLM to fighting against trans bans, he has always stepped up to fight for marginalized communities. He has stood up in federal courts, and Arkansas Legislative session to say enough is enough. MD is feature in the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center for his work at the Capitol. Most recently he was one of the faces of the fight against SB43 ( the ban on drag) where he was able to spread a message of love and art around the whole world! He wants to remind everyone that your voice is the most important tool you have. Use it and never be afraid to stand up for what’s right!
Contact Athena at Hairwitchllc@gmail.com
Kitty Kouture for nearly ten years, Kitty Kouture has been serving Arkansas drag with a fierce mix of glamour, comedy, and heart.
Kitty will be bring their vocals along with their drag artistry to our stage.
But the sparkle doesn’t stop at the stage—Kitty has poured just as much energy into giving back, heavily involved in the LGBTQIA+ community as a advocate and activism hosting benefit shows, raising funds for LGBTQ+ causes, and standing up for queer youth and community needs. Tall, bold, and unapologetic, Kitty Kouture is proof that drag can dazzle and make a difference all at once.
Email-thekkglitterbox@gmail.com
Instagram-thatkittygrrrl
Alura O’Shaunacy is a non-binary drag artist residing in central Arkansas. She has been performing for ten years, and competing at the local, state, and national levels for nine years.
Alura is a former Miss Gay Fort Smith Pride, and the reigning Miss Firecracker 2025. She has worked with multiple pride organizations and pride events all over the state. She is also a co-producer for Two Broads Productions, in which she co-host a bi-monthly show at Stickyz Rock & Roll Chicken Shack called Drag Battle and the occasional holiday special along side fellow entertainer, Kitty Kouture.
Outside of the glitz and glam world of drag, you can catch her watching her favorite animes, playing the latest Playstation games, or spending time with family and friends.
Contact Alura at aluraoshaunacy@gmail.com
Felisa Womble aka djdripfunk and alias technopunkdj was born in Dallas Texas. The Studio 54 of of the south known as The Starck Club changed everything. From that moment on Felisa moved to Los Angeles and became bi coastal between NYC, San Francisco and Los Angeles working in the Film and TV industry, animation as well as the music industry. She threw underground clubs in LA for 20 years.
She is a music producer, DJ and music supervisor, assistant director, boom operator, production coordinator and label owner.
Contact Felisa at djdripfunk@gmail.com
djdripfunk/technopunkdj
504-462-2109
MORTALUS Heavy Metal. It’s a term used to describe a genre of music that, in the 21st century, is as expansive as an ocean, with as many subgenre titles as there are species and all the seas. For Mortalus, their brand of metal is an ocean that can be deep and dark, pristine and beautiful, or full on, hull-crushing fury.
The members of Mortalus are students of their craft, striving to be always at the top of their game. Being described as “modern old school” isn’t much of a stretch. The influences are vast expanses, ranging from the obvious, like “The Big Four,” Judas Priest and Iron Maiden, to Evergrey, D.R.I., Nightwish, and Toto.
The three metalheads of Mortalus wear the title as a badge of honor. Fronted by the Cat 5 hurricane known as “Metal” Michelle Gann, she would be impressive enough as a lead vocalist if not for her beautifully intense guitar skills. Bassist and vocalist Bryan “Bedrock” Bedgood brings in a quirky, melodic style to the ocean bed low end. Drummer Patrick “Gumbo” Mahoney possesses battleship power and intensity behind the kit. Long time a quartet, Mortalus has since become a trio, writing and recording music filled with passion, melody, and yes, power.
For more information visit Mortalus
