An evening of performance where earth meets sky.
Wednesday, September 9, 2026 | 8–10 PM
BANDALOOP Studios
1601 18th Street at Peralta, Oakland
Get Tickets Now: https://events.humanitix.com/higher-ground-cabaret
As part of the OFF WAA Showcase, BANDALOOP and Black Benatar present Black Benatar and the Higher Ground Queer Arts Cabaret, a dynamic evening of queer performance celebrating what becomes possible when artists build higher ground together.
Hosted by Black Benatar, the cabaret brings artists together across dance, drag, music, movement, and vertical performance, moving beyond the boundaries between indoors and outdoors, stage and public space to create connection, wonder, and shared experience.
COME EARLY FOR THE FREE STREET ARTS NEXUS PRE-SHOW
Beginning at 7 PM across the street at Prescott Market, grab food and drinks and experience outdoor family circus, stilt dancers honoring African traditions, monumental puppetry, dance, and clowning with Prescott Circus Theatre, Animal Cracker Conspiracy, Sierra Camille, Katrina Ji, and Black Benatar.
At 7:45 PM, join the procession across the street to BANDALOOP Studios as we move from street to studio, from earth to sky, for Higher Ground.
Higher Ground takes place alongside the Western Arts Alliance booking conference. We’re excited to bring regional eyes to the incredible work happening here, while showcasing what matters most: the extraordinary artists and community that make the Bay Area a place of possibility.
Contact the Cabaret Artists:
Black Benatar, Host
KAMBARA+
Embodiment Project
Ishami Dance Company
Bodystorm
Mostly Kosher
BANDALOOP