KALAMAZOO—Event goers celebrating diversity at the 6th annual Kalamazoo Pride event will experience non-stop music and live entertainment all weekend.
This year’s event, presented by Bell’s Brewery, Inc., will span two days. The event kicks off at 5 p.m. on Friday, June 14, with an electronic DJ, local drag show, and a performance by Manila Luzon, the Asian Glamasaurus and first runner-up on the third season of RuPaul’s Drag Race and recently a Drag Professor on RuPaul’s Drag U on LOGO. Manila released her debut hit single “Hot Couture” co-written and produced by Grammy Award winning producers of KNS Productions.
Friday’s headliner JC will end the evening with his electrifying live ‘production’ and unique style of music, a blending of R&B/soul and dance/pop which he coins, “SOUL POP.” JC has been featured on award-winning shows such as FOX TV’s “GLEE”, TNT’s “The Closer”, and CBS’s “The Bold and the Beautiful,” and is now starring in the new MTV/ LOGO/OUTTV Original Series “DTLA” which premiered October 24, 2012.
The main event begins Saturday, June 15 at 2 p.m. with Kalamazoo Pride’s first transgender musician, Brody Ray. Featured on TLC’s “Strange Sex” about his transition, Brody has been signed to Dream Machine Productions and is currently recording in Nashville. His first single, “Your Only One” was released on country music radio.
Milwaukee comedian Tanya Atkinson will emcee the afternoon and evening amidst a performance from Grand-Rapids based Hannaniah & The Boys who will play a mix of music from 60’s to Top 40.
Saturday’s headliner rocked Kalamazoo Pride 2012 and is back by popular demand this year with a new band. From Chicago, Kimi Hayes & Déjà Vu will provide a non-stop, high-energy show to keep the party going and wow the crowd in 2013! From “rock concert” to “traditional style“ orchestra, Déjà Vu does it all.
As an effort to address youth bullying, the KGLRC will host two afternoon sessions of The TruthLocker Solution, an interactive presentation that reveals the truth about new cyber threats facing every person with a social device, and offers ways to increase accountability and stop social cruelty.
In addition to our live entertainment, more than 75 affirming vendors, food trucks, and plenty of cold beverage options from Bell’s Brewery and Barefoot Wines will keep the fun going all afternoon, says Zach Bauer, Executive Director of the Kalamazoo Gay Lesbian Resource Center (KGLRC), the organization that coordinates Kalamazoo Pride.
“The KGLRC spends much of our efforts throughout the year on educating the public about equality and the ramifications of youth bullying and spreading the word about what it means to be LGBTQ,” said Bauer. “Kalamazoo Pride offers an opportunity for diverse individuals and families of all types to enjoy a fun and social event that celebrates the diversity in our community.”
Last year, 11,000 people descended on the Arcadia Creek Festival Site in downtown Kalamazoo for Pride, the largest fundraiser of the year for the KGLRC.
“This year, Kalamazoo Pride 2013 has expanded to an entire weekend of celebrating diversity, complete with Friday and Saturday events, including some that are still in the planning stages, as well as a post-Pride bunch,” shares Bauer. “We plan to deliver a weekend full of community events, highlighting the diversity, accomplishments, contributions to society and entertainment by and for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals as well as their friends, families and allies.
Kalamazoo Pride is offering a two-day admission pass for $10, or separate cover charges are $5 for Friday and $7 to enter on Saturday. Kids 12 and under are free.
Bell’s will also debut a new beer at this year’s Pride – Sparkleberry – a blend of Sparkling Ale and Raspberry Ale.
“All Kalamazoo Pride events seek to show that we’re proud of who we are and that we can all stand together as part of the greater Southwest Michigan community, regardless of age, race, gender, sexual orientation, gender orientation or socioeconomic status,” says Bauer.
View full details and entertainment schedules for Kalamazoo Pride .