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! She has already made a name for herself performing in many of the leading shows and competitions in the Greater Philadelphia area.

Balena is not only a performer, but a producer of many exciting night life shows! From May 2021 to June 2022, she co-produced and hosted Fach Off, an all live-singing drag and burlesque extravaganza with Zsa Zsa Dalí at Philly's Tabu. 

Currently, Balena produces a monthly film/tv/music tribute show at Tattooed Mom on Philly's iconic South Street! Past themes include—Star Wars, Twin Peaks, Kate Bush, Camp Horror, SituGAYtion Comedy, and Tim Burton Tributes. Her bi-monthly queer opera cabaret entitled, Opera After Dark featuring a cast of all operatically trained live singing night life performers held at The Velvet Whip Speakeasy! She is also the co-producer/host for Jazz on Jackson, an all jazz drag and burlesque tribute with Esme Eventide at The Painted Mug Café! 

In October 2022, Balena produced, hosted, and performed in a sold-out LGBTQ-centered Oktoberfest called, Queertoberfest at Love City Brewing Co. The festival featured an opera concert, a drag & burlesque show, themed contests, and a dance party with pop-up performances! Over 300 guests were in attendance! The event was even covered by WHYY! Click HERE to check out the article! 

Most recently, Balena produced/hosted her first show at Franky Bradley's! Disney Plus featured a cast of all plus size drag and burlesque artists performing Disney favorites! This New Years Eve, she produced/hosted a sold-out drag brunch at South House in South Philly where she holds bi-monthly drag brunches! Balena will return to South House for another Holiday themed (Mardi Gras!) Stay tuned for details! 

Just like the iconic Whitney Houston, Balena believes that, “the children are our future,” and frequently hosts Drag Queen Story Times at local libraries and other community venues teaching the next generation about diversity, self love, creativity and acceptance. If you're interested in hiring/collaborating with Balena, please see visit our contact page.