Bio
"She's the seductive song-wielding siren with a voice
snatched for the gods!"
Balena Canto (she/her) is Philadelphia's seductive song-wielding siren with a voice snatched for the gods! Born on the southern coast of Italia, Balena Canto sang out to sea conjuring a passing humpback whale who took her to a distant and mysterious land called “Philadelphia.” Balena's favorite thing about her home is a local delicacy called, "water ice" (helps soothe the singer's throat). Balena’s mission in life is to bring joy, laughter, and perhaps a tear or two (she is an opera singer after all) to her audiences through song. She firmly believes in the transformative and healing power of music and the performing arts. She also LOVES making people laugh and has a special talent for writing/performing original song parodies!
While Balena's favorite way to express her art is through live singing, she is a versatile performer with many talents. She loves creating/performing lip-synch mixes as well as sketch and improv comedy! She is also often called upon as a host and emcee for various shows, events, and functions!
In July 2025, Balena celebrates her 6th Anniversary as a drag artist! She has been performing professionally throughout the Greater Philadelphia and Tri-state area since 2019 appearing with drag and opera greats: Opera Philadelphia, The Bearded Ladies Cabaret, Eastern State Penitentiary's Halloween Nights, Philly Drag Mafia, Henn House Productions, HoenyReno Productions, Alterra Productions, Media Theater, Eagle Theater (NJ), The Philadelphia Freedom Band, Darkside Burlesque, Dark Angel's Burlesque (DE), Delaware Valley Opera Company, Prismatic Arts Ensemble, Alter Ego Chamber Opera, Resorts Casino, Harrahs Casino, Delco Pride, Pittman Pride, Narberth Pride, and Perkosie Pride. Her illustrious career has brought her to the national stage appearing with: Portland Opera, Hogfish Opera (ME), Creatine Price's Cantata (NYC), and Annapolis Pride (MD).
Balena is not only a performer, but a producer of many exciting night life shows! Currently, Balena produces regularly at Philly's Tattooed Mom, Franky Bradley's, Tabu (now 254), The Velvet Whip Speakeasy, South House, and Love City Brewing Co.! Balena Canto absolutely LOVES a theme (especially if it's nerdy). Past Balena Canto Presents show themes & tributes have included: Star Wars, Twin Peaks, Kate Bush, Camp Horror, Anti-Disney, Roald Dahl, NintendHo, AquariYAAAS, The CW, Queertoberfest, St Paddy's Gay, Insects, and Tim Burton, just to name a few!
Just like the iconic Whitney Houston, Balena believes that, “the children are our future,” and frequently hosts Drag Queen Story Times at local libraries, churches, and other community venues teaching the next generation about diversity, self love, creativity and acceptance.
If you're interested in hiring or collaborating with Balena, please visit our contact page.
Current Events
Past Events
Sunday, 4/16/23 @ 8 pm: Come out and support Balena as she competes in Drag Arena! Join us at Diamonds Lounge in York PA for a competition of epic proportions! 10 contestants 1 winner CASH PRIZE! Doors open at 7pm Show at 8pm Entry: $10 BYOB: $20
Tuesday, 3/21/23: See your fav Nintendo characters like Princess Peach, Toad, Luigi, King Boo, Eevee, Waluigi, Mii AND MORE brought to life by our cast of Philly's finest nightlife performers! Hosted by Balena Canto at Tattooed Mom!
Sunday, 3/19/23 @ 8 pm: Balena Canto is ecstatic to make her Dark Side Burlesque debut in CRYPTITS! Creepy! Spooky! Sexy! Boobies! Join us as we celebrate your favorite cryptids and creatures from folklore and conspiracy theories. Balena will be portraying her favorite cryptid! Pennsylvania's very own, SQUONK!
Friday, 3/17/23 from 7-11 pm: Balena Canto and Love City Brewing present their next queer twist on a classic holiday! Join usfor ST PADDY'S GAY!
That's right, it's your classic celebration of all things Irish with beer, food, and entertainment, BUT oh so much more fabulous!
Saturday, 3/11/23 @ 9 pm: Balena Canto invites you to a a secret Masquerade Drag & Burlesque Cabaret! Want to know what secrets Balena and her cast of sexy sirens have to tell? Then purchase your ticket for a night of mystery as you get lost in this Masquerade!
Friday, 2/24/23 @ 10 pm: Come out and support Balena and her burlesque buds as they shoot their shot auditioning for Delaware's premiere burlesque troupe, The Dark Angels! ***UPDATE***!!! Balena is now a Dark Angel! She is so incredibly excited for future collaborations!
Thursday, 2/23/23 @ 10:30 pm: Come see Balena, Blue Jean, & Georgia Peach as they pay homage to the one and only Dolly Parton in an all Burlesque/Drag Tribute @ Kung Fu Necktie!
Saturday, 2/18/23 Balena Canto returns to South House with an incredible cast for a Mari Gras/Carnival themed drag brunch!
Tuesday 2/14/23 @ 8 pm: Balena joins the cast of Alterra Productions as host and performer for a Valentine's themed variety show!
Thursday 1/19/23 @ 9 pm: Balena will appear as guest judge for the Geriatric Gem Dominique Lee's Queen of the Hill, A drag competition of EPIC proportions! Round by round, queens will battle it out with exciting lip sync battles, as they knock each other out until one queen reigns supreme as the “Queen Of The Hill” with a cash prize and of course, bragging rights. I'll be joining house judge, the fabulous Heavens 2 Betsy as well as guest judge, the iconic Dalyla Mizani Cristal! The theme of the evening is BROADWAY! Plus, the contestants aren't the only queens performing...boy do we have a show for you!! Click the above link for tickets!
Sunday, 1/15/2023 @ 9 pm: Balena is HONORED to be nominated for Philly Phatty Award's "Plus Size Singer of the Year!" The PPA (lol) is hosted by the gorgeous and talented Queen of hearts @ Franky Bradley's! Come out to support Balena and her fellow plus size nightlife artists who have been nominated for an array of awards.
Saturday, 12/31 @ Noon: Balena Canto returns to Philly's South House to ring in the New Year!!! Start your NYE celebration EARLY with the seductive song-wielding siren and her cast of SICKENING divas, Mandy Mango and Nikita Sinnn Monroe!!! Click the flyer above for tickets!
Wednesday, 12/21 @ 8 pm: Join Balena Canto and her sickening cast of Drag Queens, Kings, and Burlesque artists in an all TIM BURTON TRIBUTE! In addition to the show, we'll play trivia for your chance to win a Tattooed Mom prize pack! Click the above link for tickets!
Wednesday, 12/14 @ 9 pm: Join Balena Canto as she hosts her first show at Philly's Franky Bradley's! DISNEY PLUS, is a drag and burlesque tribute to Disney's popular streaming service starring ALL PLUS SIZE nightlife artists! In addition to performances, we'll play games to win free drinks and have a raffle where you can win a never-worn ByVinnik "Rusalka" Opera Coat AND a wig styled by our own, Nickihanna! Click the flyer above for tickets!
Thursday, 12/8 @ 7 pm: Join us at Attic Bierhaul for a night of entertainment by local drag queens, Roxanne Rohls, Tiffany Uma Mascara, and Balena Canto. Click the above image for tickets!
Tuesday, 11/22 @ 8 pm: See your favorite TV sitcoms like The Golden Girls, The Nanny, Living Single, Will & Grace, Abbott Elementary, and Schitt's Creek (just to name a few) come to life before your very eyes, performed by our FABBULOUS cast! Only at Tattooed Mom in South Philly!
Saturday, 11/19 @ 9 pm: Opera After Dark is back for it's second act! Our show presents a bold and sexy interpretation of opera, classical music, and musical theater by a group of operatically trained nightlife artists! Come see and hear us in our happiest and most glorious forms whether it’s in drag, latex or straitjacket!
9/23 - 11/12: Come see Balena Canto uhh I mean BLOODlena Canto perform this spooky season at Halloween Nights at Eastern State Penitentiary Hear her sing chilling operatic arias and haunting melodies at the Bloodline Lounge, our swanky vampire bar! Appearance dates are listed on the flyer below. For additional info and tickets, click the above image!
Thursday, Oct 27 @ 8 pm: Balena Canto brings you her latest tribute show to Tattooed Moms! This time we're taking a trip out to CAMP WHORROR! From already ridiculously campy classics "VelociPastor" and "Killer Klowns From Outer Space" to the truly terrifying classics like "Hereditary" and "The Shining," we guarantee that our tributes will have you DYING of laughter...In addition to performances, we'll play games where you can win Tmom's swagger and a gift card! Click the above image for info and tickets!
Sunday, NOV 6 @ 9pm: Balena Canto joins the cast of Broadway Beauties celebrating all things musical theater at Liquid Alchemy Beverages in Wilington, DE!! Click the above image for tickets!
Sunday, Oct. 2nd 12-8 pm: Balena Canto and Love City present the first-ever Queertoberfest! That's right, it's your classic Bavarian celebration with beer, food, and entertainment, BUT oh so much more fabulous! For tickets and details, click above!
Friday, Sept. 30 @ 8 pm: Esme Eventide and Balena Canto team up to co-host an all Jazz tribute at The Painted Mug! This months guests are the incredible Rosey Hart and Rexxi For tickets and information, click on the above image! Space is limited, so reserve your spot now!
Tuesday, 09/13/22 from 10pm -1am: Balena joins Roxanne Rohls and Ophelia Hotass as their special guest performer at Off the Rail Karaoke at Split Rail Tavern (West Chester, PA)
Thursday, 09/01/22 8 pm: Join Balena and her cast of queens in a tribute to the iconic Kate Bush!
Thursday, August 11th Runway @ 8 pm Shows @ 9 pm: Join Philly drag legend, Lamia the Cursed Queen and her cast of hellish ghouls at Tattooed Mom for a gothic horror themed drag extravaganza!
Saturday, August 6th @ 3 PM: Balena joins the cast of this Charity Drag Festival benefiting the Nurse Morgan Helps booth at Drag Con LA 2023. A portion of this event will be donated to The Attic Youth Center. Great drinks, local vendors, tons of local performers, and Roxxxy Andrews from Ru Paul's Drag Race!
Saturday, August 6th Seating at 11 am Show @ Noon: Join Balena Canto and her divine divas (Mandy Mango, Nickihanna, and Lamia) for a fun, festive, and DELICIOUS summer and diva themed drag brunch at Philly's South House. Tunes provided by DJ Brettzo! Click the above image for tickets and more info!
Friday, July 22nd Doors @ 8 pm Shows @ 9 pm: Opera after Dark presents a bold spectacle of fun, diverse performance in classical music. Hosted by the vivacious Balena Canto with a cast of Philly based opera singing drag, burlesque, and queer vocalists! Our venue for the evening is Philly's hottest speakeasy performance space, The Velvet Whip. For tickets, please click on the above image!
Thursday, July 14th Doors @ 7 pm Bingo @ 8 pm: Join host, Balena Canto and her cast of gorgeously fierce queens for a night of bingo, raffles, prizes, performances, and fun at Manayunk's Cresson Inn! Tickets are $10 online (click the above image) or $15 at the door.
Sunday, July 3rd Doors @ 8 Shows pm @ 9 pm: Balena joins the cast of Philly's Iconic drag show, Sinful Sunday's hosted by the legendary, Goddess Isis. Click above for more info and tickets!
Thursday, June 30 @ 8 pm: Join host, Balena Canto and her cast of drag artists in a Tribute to the cult TV classic, Twin Peaks!
Sunday, June 26 @ 3 pm: Balena visits St. Peters Church (3rd & Pine Phila, PA) sharing books on diversity, acceptance, creativity, and love. Click image for more info!
Saturday, June 25 @ Noon: Our favorite Drag Queen, Balena Canto, returns to the Ann Arundel Public Library (Brooklyn Park) for an in-person storytime - sharing books on diversity, acceptance, creativity, and love. Wear your dancing shoes and whatever else makes you feel beautiful for this special event celebrating Pride Month. Click the above image for more info!
Join Balena Canto and her cast of queens for at Media's State Street Pub for a Sunday funday! Eat delicious brunch, be entertained, and play FREE bingo where you can win amazing prizes!
June 16-18 @ 8 pm: Balena is THIRLLED to returns to It's Not Personal, It's Drag this year as a core cast member. See her all 3 nights along with a star studded cast of local drag performers hosted and produced by Meg Cutting. Complete with lip syncing legends, dancing divas, themed cocktails and electric performances. Bring $ingles to tip! Upgrade to VIP seating for the best experience! Mature content: guests must be 18+ to attend and must be 21+ to purchase and consume alcoholic beverages. Click the flyer for tickets!
Saturday, June 11 @ 3 pm: Balena performs at Upper Darby Pride's Drag Show Extravaganza! The festival starts at 1 pm and our show begins at 3pm at the lot right outside of Upper Darby High School's gym! Click the flyer for more info!
Saturday, June 11 @ 12:30 pm: Balena visits the Narberth Park Narberth's 1st annual Pride Festival! Join Balena in the Girl Scout Room for ongoing crafts and drag queen story time! Click the above image for further information!
Friday, June 10 @ 8 pm: Esme Eventide and Balena Canto team up to co-host an all Jazz tribute at The Painted Mug! This months guests are the incredible Mo Betta and Quinn Possible! For tickets and information, click on the above image! Space is limited, so reserve your spot now!
06/04/22 @ 9 pm: Join hosts Balena Canto and Zsa Zsa Dali with a cast of extra special guests for an all live singing variety show of operatic proportions! Click the flyer for tix!
.png)
Friday June 3rd @ Noon: Balena Canto returns to the Penn Wynne Library for Drag Queen Story Time! Click the above image for details!
Wednesday, May 25 @ 10 pm: Balena Canto join's the cast of Gay Bill at Tavern on Camac for a broadway cabaret celebrating the music of Jason
Robert Brown!
Charlene DeLizzio (AMP's mom) and the rest of the DiSabatino clan are celebrating AMP's Bday at Rivers Casino! Click photo for details and tickets!
05/04/22 doors @ 9:30 shows @ 10 pm Celebrate "Star Wars Day" with Balena Canto and a cast of incresible performers in a
drag and burlesque tribute to all things Star Wars! Click the image for details!
04/23/22 @ 7 pm Special Guest, Balena Canto joins Narberth Community theater for Drag Queen Designer Bag Bingo! Come out to play and win lots of prizes and be entertained by the seductive song-wielding siren herself! Click image for details and tickets!
Wednesday, April 27 @ 10 pm: Balena Canto join's the cast of Gay Bill at Tavern on Camac for a Broadway cabaret of Dream Roles! Balena will be taking on the role of "Christine" from Phantom of the Opera!
Sunday, 3/13/22 from @ 8:30 pm
Balena joins a stunning cast of burlesque artists in a dreamy and surreal sing-n-strip show at Franky Bradley's!
Tuesday, 3/8/22 from 10pm -1am Balena joins Roxanne Rohls and Ophelia Hotass as their special guest performer at Off the Rail Karaoke at Split Rail Tavern (West Chester, PA)
3/5/2022 @ 9 pm: Join hosts Balena Canto and Zsa Zsa Dali with a cast of extra special guests for an all live singing variety show of operatic proportions!
Balena joins the cast of Devil Drag this month on Friday, 2/25/22
doors @ 9 pm show @ 10 pm at Philly's Tabu!
Photo
Promo
Poses & Behind-the-Scenes
Performance Stills
Artistic Renderings
Video
Live Singing
Song Parodies & Sketch Comedy
Digital Drag
Group Numbers
News
First Queertoberfest brings the ‘best of both worlds’ for Philadelphia’s LGBTQ community - WHYY's coverage of Philly's first ever Queertoberfest produced and hosted by Balena Canto @ Love City Brewing! The article includes an ijnterview with Balena Canto and Soprano Marcelle McGuirk
Matthew sits down with Voyage Baltimore Magazine to discuss their life and career as a classical singer and a drag artist! Click the above image to read their exciting interview!
12/27/2021: A clip from my interview with The Empowered Musician where I talk about being able to fulfill my queer opera dreams this past summer as Melissa in Alter Ego Chamber Opera's unique and stunning production of Alcina REVAMPED! Thank you so much for the feature!
11/05/2020: Soprano and Host of Fermata Fashion, Rachel Sigman sits down with opera singer and drag performer Matthew Maisano aka Balena Canto as they discuss the intersecting worlds of opera and drag, inclusivity and growing up to be the person you were meant to be.
11/05/2020: By Vinnik releases a coluratura cape in limited edition print, "Balena"
09/22/2019: Balena Canto interviewed by Now This after protesters demonstrated outside of her drag queen story time for children at a local library.
07/2/2019: All hail the (drag) queen of story time
Coverage and praise for Anne Arundel County Public Library's DQST with Balena Canto
06/16/2019: Hundreds Turn Out for Drag Queen Storytime in Haverford Delaware County Times Article about the incredible turn out and support from the community for Balena Canto's Drag Queen Story Time in Havertown, PA.
06/11/2019: Drag Queen: Performance is a Lesson in Diversity Delaware County Times Article with Balena Canto explaining the importance of Drag Queen Story Time, and why the show must go on despite opposition.
08/18/2018: "Anne Arundel's drag community looks to
build visibility with events like Drag Queen Storytime"
(Capital Gazette, Danielle Ohl)
Article about Matthew's first ever Drag Queen Story Time
as "Balena Canto"
