Dustin Michael Schaad, the D.C. Drag Performer Ba'Naka, Dies at 36
advocate.comDustin Michael Schaad, a well-known Washington, D.C.–based drag performer under the name Ba’Naka, has died at age 36.Schaad died Wednesday at George Washington University Hospital, friends told the Washington Blade.
The cause was complications from a long illness.David Perruzza, owner of D.C. bars Pitchers and League of Her Own, told The Advocate that Schaad had recently performed at drag bingo events at his nightclubs.
During the 15 years Perruzza ran the High Heel Race, an event held in Washington around Halloween involving runners in costumes and, of course, high-heeled shoes, Ba’Naka was the grand marshal.“She was my go-to gal,” Perruzza said.
Schaad would do any charity event for free, he added.Schaad had been doing drag since age 18, appearing at Capital Pride and many other D.C.
