Celebrating Creativity and Community: A Recap of Greenpoint’s 2nd Annual All-Gender Beauty Pageant
On March 21, Brooklyn’s Greenpoint neighborhood hosted a unique celebration of talent and community spirit at the 2nd Annual All-Gender Beauty Pageant held at Warsaw (261 Driggs Ave.). This lively event showcased a delightful mix of performances and artistry, all while supporting a worthy cause.
The evening was hosted by Tefi Pessoa, who guided the audience through a series of memorable acts performed by an eclectic cast of contestants. Among the performers were a wrestler, a guitarist, a magician, and the charming “Babe-raham” Lincoln—a humorous nod to history that had attendees laughing and cheering throughout the night.
Judging the performances were a dynamic panel including comedians Jake Cornell and Jaboukie, writer and podcaster Hunter Harris, and legendary director Amy Heckerling. Their insights and lively critiques added a vibrant layer to the competition.
The Performances
Contestants faced off in both talent showcases and a Q&A segment, bringing a diverse array of acts to the stage. Kassiani Menas kicked off the talent portion with a spirited performance of Katy Perry’s “I Kissed a Girl,” enhanced by a backdrop of memes. Following her lead, Sazzy Boatright displayed impressive wrestling skills, while Jake Gayle captivated the audience with an original guitar solo. The night also featured a magical performance that amusingly transitioned into a Magic Mike-style routine, Kia Williams-Tilmon delivering Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You,” and Bryan Dakota shining with Addison Rae’s “Fame Is a Gun.”
But it was “Babe-raham” Lincoln who stole the show. His comedic song and surprise impression of bagpipes earned him the top honors and the coveted crown, making him the star of the night.
Community Impact
While the evening was filled with humor and talent, its underlying purpose was to raise funds for the Brooklyn Community Kitchen, a non-profit organization committed to providing nutritious meals to neighbors in need. Organizers Simone Tetteh and Thomas Tomczak conceived the pageant as a creative way to support this essential cause.
The audience also participated in a raffle, with prizes including gift cards to local businesses and a curated picnic basket crafted by artist Tracy Morgan.
Conclusion
The All-Gender Beauty Pageant was not just a showcase of flair and fun; it underscored the importance of community engagement and support. Events like this help foster a sense of unity while addressing vital local needs. As we look forward to next year’s pageant, we are reminded that creativity and kindness can go hand in hand, creating a brighter future for all.