KALAMAZOO-Kalamazoo Pride announces its 2015 entertainment lineup for what organizers have called the most diverse Kalamazoo Pride yet.
Entertainment for the 8th annual two-day event begins at 6 p.m. Friday, June 12 with a local DJ, the “Miss or Mister Kalamazoo Pride 2015” local drag competition and a radical performance by electronic/R&B artist Tunde Olaniran. Catfight, the all-girl band known as “the darlings” of the Chicago cover band scene, will play classic favorites and current chart-topping hits.
Performances on Saturday, June 13 will kick off at 2 p.m. with a local DJ and the performance artist DC. Nashville recording artist Brody Ray will return to Kalamazoo to showcase his rock and country sound which he honed on his recent EP release.
Saturday’s entertainment continues with Bianca del Rio, the season six reigning winner of the hit series RuPaul’s Drag Race. A self-proclaimed “clown in a dress,” Bianca has captivated fans with her sharp wit and dismembering humor. Headlining the event, Luciana, “The Queen of Electro,” is one of the world’s most prolific electronic music artists, and she brings her unique sound to Kalamazoo.
Additional performers are still being added, and Pride’s organizers hope to share a few more surprises soon.
“Each year, Kalamazoo Pride celebrates the diversity of the queer community, and this year, we’re pleased to offer a diverse group of entertainment as well,” said Jay Maddock, Kalamazoo Pride Co-Chair and Executive Director of the Kalamazoo Gay Lesbian Resource Center, the organization who hosts the event.
“For 2015, the performance line-up is an exciting mix of rock, blues, country, electronic, rap and cover music as well as fabulous comedy and drag performances that showcase the diversity of the LGBTQ community. There is truly something for everyone. We’re pleased to be able to share this high caliber entertainment with Kalamazoo.”
Different from other pride festivals in the State of Michigan, Kalamazoo Pride is a fundraiser for the Kalamazoo Gay Lesbian Resource Center, a 501(c)3 that serves the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and allied community of southwest Michigan. Given that an estimated 12,000 people attended in 2014, it’s also the largest fundraiser for the organization.
“Kalamazoo Pride enjoys wonderful partnerships within our community,” shares Maddock. “This is a venue for both large corporations and small organizations to showcase their support of equality.”
Returning as the presenting sponsor of Kalamazoo Pride 2015 is Bell’s Brewery, Inc. They will again feature Sparkleberry, a blend of Sparkling Ale and Raspberry Ale that debuted at Kalamazoo Pride 2013.
Saturday’s popular vendor alley features affirming and inclusive organizations and businesses, as well as tantalizing food and beverage vendors from all over southwest Michigan. There will also be family-friendly activities planned throughout the day in the youth tent area.
Tickets for Kalamazoo Pride will go on sale in mid-April, and a discount will be offered for two-day passes purchased in advance of the event.
“The KGLRC anticipates that tickets will be available at several sites in the Kalamazoo area, including the KGLRC office and on our website at kglrc.org/pride,” said Maddock.
Event tickets are $10 for a two-day pass, which is only available in advance, or $5 for Friday and $7 for Saturday if purchased at the gate.
Maddock says providing a welcoming experience where all attendees feel comfortable and free to love who they are is an important goal of the event. Love Who You Are is Kalamazoo Pride’s slogan.
“Kalamazoo Pride is a perfect time for all members of our community to come together and celebrate each other. It is also an opportunity to unify our community as Michigan continues the battle toward full equality for all families. Not only do we await the right to marry, but also the right to provide loving homes to some of the 3,000 children needing safety and permanency in our state.” said Amy Perricone, Vice President of the KGLRC Board of Directors and Kalamazoo Pride Steering Committee Member.
“We are incredibly fortunate to live and work in a city that values all of its citizens and visitors. Kalamazoo Pride is a wonderful place to express our gratitude for this city and to show the rest of Michigan why full equality is so vital to everyone.”