On Thursday, March 5, Blyss Carrington will host Black Excellence, a showcase of local performers. It will be a night of singing, drag, and a celebration of Springfield’s African American community.

The show will be held at Martha’s Vineyard, where the hype has been growing.

“This came from a conversation a couple [of] years ago about doing a show for Black History Month,” Blyss said.

Last summer, Blyss won The Voice at Martha’s, which snagged them the opportunity to host any show they want at the venue. “As soon as I won the opportunity to host a show, I knew what I wanted to do.”

They knew immediately where to go to get performers for the event.

“A couple [of] people reached out to me, but mostly I asked friends, people I know, and even family if they wanted to be a part of the show” Blyss explained. “There were no hard decisions, I had a great pool of talent to go to in order to make a great show.”

The show will feature, among others, Devion Mornett, a “drag legend of Springfield,” according to Blyss.

Tania Carrington, “the lady of soul,” will also perform.

“I’ve been coming up with different concepts for this show since December. This is one of the bigger moments in my life, and I am beyond excited,” they stated.

Black Excellence poster (Photo via Blyss Carrington)

Representation in Springfield communities

Extra care went into crafting a show that can have a positive impact on the overall Springfield community.

According to Blyss, there are “not a lot of black entertainers in Springfield that are showcased as much as everyone else. There’s a show here and there, but not one that is just ours.”

For Blyss and the performers in the show, representation is something that inspires other people and tells them that they can be successful by chasing their dreams.

“Springfield is getting better about representation, but there is still a ways to go,” Blyss stated. According to them, “Black Excellence” is going to mean more representation in the future. Not only in the African American community, but in the LGBTQ+ community as well.

When building the show, “[Blyss and the performers] were looking for songs and things that people don’t get to see or hear very often. Music you’ve heard of but haven’t actually heard.”

“Springfield is not ready,” Blyss promised. “I hope everyone shows up Thursday night.”

Despite feeling that representation and diversity are lacking in Springfield, Blyss loves the Ozarks, specifically Springfield, and has hope that things will improve.

Blyss has been a performer for over 20 years, with the last year being in Springfield. They were involved in college theatre in Poplar Bluff for several years. “I started singing in church, and now I’m singing at nightclubs. I feel like that’s always where I was meant to be.”

Being a part of Springfield’s LGBTQ+ community was “a huge awakening” for Blyss and their identity as a performer. “I’m still nervous every time I get up there, but the entire LGBTQ+ community in the Ozarks is so supportive.”

“Black Excellence” will be at Martha’s Vineyard at 11 p.m. 18-21 year-olds have a $6 cover, 21+ is $3. Anyone and everyone are welcome to come out and show support.

Written by Forest Swisher.