On January 13, 2025 our community was shaken with the sudden loss of Azúcar’s resident emcee and artist VenDetta Petty Kash D’Ho a.k.a. Dahlia Kash. Dahlia, as was her chosen name, was with Azúcar from the beginning in 2018: first as a performer, and joining the permanent cast in 2019 as a co-emcee. Her presence and thoughtful input was always crucial in the development of this show.
Dahlia will always be remembered as someone who chose to love us freely, who encouraged us to make and share our art no matter what, to resist, to be unapologetically visible, to live with authenticity. She fought tirelessly and lovingly an uphill battle to provide a platform for Black and Brown artists in her communities in Olympia, Portland, and the Bay. She selflessly uplifted all those whom she loved, she always took time out of her day to make sure the community around her was nurtured, sometimes to a fault. But that is who she was. Her absence is deeply and painfully felt not only at Azúcar, it is felt from coast to coast, especially in the Pacific Northwest and the Bay.
VenDetta is and always will be the spirit of Azucar. Dear hermana, wherever you are- we hope you are shouting ¡AZÚCAR! with us.
Dahlia Kash
Javier Miguel
VenDetta Petty Kash D’Ho
1982-2025