The Cleveland Museum of Art (CMA) will celebrate Pride Month with MIX: All Out this Friday, June 7 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. in the Ames Family Atrium. The monthly extravaganza will feature special rainbow light displays, dancing, and drag. 

“The event highlights DJ Navy Jayde and Dakota Cox, two locally based LGBTQ+ performers who are making a huge impact on the local scene,” says CMA director of performing arts Gabe Pollack.

Liz - 1964 by Andy WarholDJ Navy Jayde will combine club, house, and techno elements to keep the dance beat going all night, while Cleveland’s own multifaceted powerhouse Dakota Cox will spice up the night with a drag performance infused with female impersonations that pay homage to the Black women who have inspired her.

DJ Navy Jayde, who has a residency at Cocktails Cleveland in the Detroit Shoreway, is a former owner and venue director of BLK Punx Press. “She is dedicated to providing a platform for POC Queer artists and amplifying the voices of underrepresented musicians,” says Gabe Pollack, CMA director of performing arts. “Through her monthly event ‘*TUB CLUB,’ Navy Jayde showcases talented POC Queer DJs—ensuring that diversity and inclusion remain at the forefront of the music industry.”

Dakota Cox—known as the Black Amazonian Goddess of the Midwest—is in her eighth year as a Cleveland Drag Queen and performs regularly at Studio West 117 and Nano Brew’s and Black Mass CLE’s  Brew Babes.

“Her drag is infused with female impersonation to pay homage to the Black women who have raised and inspired her,” says Pollack.

DJ Navy Jayde performs at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., with Dakota Cox performing at 7:30 p.m.

Guests are also invited to view artworks by LGBTQ+ artists as well as the museum’s special exhibitions, Africa & Byzantium and Korean Couture: Generations of Revolution.

CMA MIX - Artwork by @kasumifilmsThe lighting design in the atrium will be rainbow themed, as will the baked goods and cocktails, beer, and wine available for purchase from Bon Appétit.

The specialty cocktail is EQUALITea, and food includes Bacon Pickle Flatbread, Cheeto Crusted Mac & Cheese, an Elote Dog, Kalua Jackfruit Sandwich, and Sidewinder fries with taco ranch dressing.

Costumes and creative themed dress are encouraged, but certain decorations—such as glitter and heavy face paint—are not allowed in the galleries to protect the artwork. Additionally, no full-face masks, weapon-like props, or excessively oversized costumes are permitted in the museum.

“However, we do love when people dress up according to themes and encourage it,” says Pollack. “We just ask that you be safe and mindful of [the museum’s] art collection.”

Admission to MIX: All Out is free for CMA members, but a ticket is required. For non-members, tickets are $16 in advance, $18 on the day of the event, and $25 at the door (if available).