KALAMAZOO-Kalamazoo Pride announced its 2014 headliners for what organizers have called the best Kalamazoo Pride yet.
Entertainment for the 7th annual two-day event includes DJ Matt Downey, the “Miss or Mister Kalamazoo Pride 2014” local drag competition, and an encore performance by Chicago-based party band Déjà vu on Friday, June 13. The evening’s headlining host will be drag artist Lady Bunny, known for her pop song parodies, zany skits and hilarious emcee abilities.
Performers for Saturday, June 14 will feature the Chicago Cheer Brigade, local favorite Carrie McFerrin, GR-based Americana/folk band The Crane Wives and Niki Harris, a Benton-Harbor native and former back-up singer for Madonna. Featured on RuPaul’s Drag Race, Manila Luzon will return this year to emcee and perform.
Saturday’s headliner is the tribute band, ABBA Salute. The music of the greatest pop band in history will come to life in a Las Vegas style show, recreating the full ABBA experience.
“We wholeheartedly believe that Kalamazoo Pride will offer something for each and every visitor to the Arcadia Creek Festival Place,” said Jay Maddock, Kalamazoo Pride Co-Chair and Kalamazoo Gay Lesbian Resource Center Program Director. “For 2014, the performance line-up is a vibrant mix of music, comedy and drag performances that showcase the diversity of the LGBT culture. We’re pleased to host such fantastic entertainers in the Kalamazoo community.”
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 11,000 people attended in 2013, it’s also the largest fundraiser for the organization.
Returning as the presenting sponsor of Kalamazoo Pride 2014 is Bell’s Brewery, Inc., who will showcase the award-winning 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 tempting 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 April, and new this year, a discount will be offered for tickets purchased in advance.
“While locations are still being finalized, 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 $7 per day at the gate.
Maddock says they’re hoping advance ticket sales will decrease wait time at the entrance gate and provide a better experience for Pride participants.
Providing a great experience where all attendees feel welcome and free to love who they are is an important goal of the event.
“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 marriage equality,” 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 marriage equality is so vital to everyone.”
Kalamazoo Pride 2014 is June 13 and 14 at the Arcadia Creek Festival Place in downtown Kalamazoo. For more information, or to volunteer, visit kglrc.org/pride.