MySpace Countdowns
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Monday, June 23, 2008
My Gay Day at Elitch Gardens
Ok, after Family Field Day, PrideFest, and now Gay Day at Elitch Gardens, I am sunburned, exhausted and have maybe two functioning brain cells to my name so I'm gonna keep this simple.
Gay Day at Elitch's was awesome and drew many gays and gay-friendlies such as Action Ross Extreme,
James Roy and friends,
Todd,
and these guys.
My friends and I went on theTower of Doom,
Disaster Canyon, The Mind Eraser,
and the wooden one.
They were awesome.
I ate pizza,
funnel cake,
and cheese fries.
Now, I am going to sleep or else I'll die.
Gay Day at Elitch Gardens
Hey mothertruckers, I'm heading to Gay Day at Elitch Gardens right now and you should too. Wear a red shirt cuz it's the thing to do.
A message from Deb Pollock
Deb Pollock, Director of Development and Communications for The Center had this to say about a very successful PrideFest:
What a great weekend! I want to thank each and every one of you from the bottom of my heart for making PrideFest so successful. We had record turn out of 250,000 people this weekend! It’s because of you that we are able to produce such a great event that has garnered nation wide recognition as one of the top seven events of its kind in North America and the most family-friendly PrideFest. I really enjoy working with you and hope that your experience this weekend was great. Save the date for next year's event – June 28 & 29.
Friday, June 20, 2008
A message from the Pride Angel of Peace
My Dear Sisters & Brothers:
Pax Vo Viscum! (Peace be with you!) Greetings! Happy Pride to all of you men, women and children of every part of the world!
The clock of history strikes an important hour. At this moment, Pride Year 2008 begins and we enter into a new and exciting historical future. For many, this is the year of Great Change!
As we approach this festive weekend, let us remember with respect and honor those Gay and Civil Rights Activists, who are no longer with us. Who fought the good fight. Whose efforts made this PrideFest celebration possible.
Let us bless and acknowledge those with us today, who have worked countless hours this past year to organize this weekend’s many and numerous celebrations and activities.
Let us also remember the history and meaning of the Rainbow Flag. Which, we so proudly wave this weekend.
The first Rainbow Flag was designed in 1978 by San Francisco artist, Gilbert Baker. The current Flag, minus the colors pink & turquoise was adapted in 1998. The colors all have meaning. Which are:
Pink: Sex
Red: Life
Orange: Healing
Yellow: Sun
Green: Serenity
Turquoise: Art
Indigo: Harmony
Violet: Spirit
As we cross this new threshold, I would like to knock at the door of every home to bring to each one of you my cordial good wishes.
I wish all a year filled with peace. The peace only found within one’s self. I also pray you receive serenity and happiness.
I ask God to bless this moment of festivity and good wishes. That it may be the promising beginning of a new era filled with a spirit of joy and peace.
That around the Globe, our voices will be heard today, tomorrow and always! That, we, are as diverse as the many colors of the Rainbow Flag. But all One Flag!
A Blessed and Joyous Peace and Pride to everyone in the light which shines from within and from out of you and upon the whole universe!
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Madonna: Human Nature
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
See you at Denver PrideFest!
PrideFest participants recently had to attend an orientation meeting and while we were there I figured it'd be a good idea to have everybody say 'howdy!'
Madonna: Frozen
Troy's favorite Madonna song/video is the bleak and haunting 'Frozen'. Thanks for the vote, Troy. And the answer to your question is, "Soon, very soon!" Now, here's Frozen:
Don't get frozen out of Madonna's concert; keep listening to PrideFest sponsor ONE FM for your chance to win free tickets to her perform in Denver!
Meet PrideFest Performer James Roy
Singer/songwriter James Roy has long been one of Colorado's best-known performers and is now beginning to make a splash nationwide. His song 'Rise Above' recently reached #8 on Logo's Top 10 Videos. Denver PrideFest is lucky and proud to have him returning to the Main Stage on Sunday, June 22.
How many years have you been performing at PrideFest and what do you like best about it?
This is my third year performing at Pride. I've been living in Denver since 2001 so I've experienced Pride as someone watching the parade and watching the shows, as well as being in the parade and on stage. What hits me every time is how important this event is to the community. We have people driving in from nearby states as well as flying in from across the country. The best thing about Pride is that we're in the heart of the city and we can feel completely comfortable for two days. It's great!
What is your most memorable PrideFest moment?
I get choked up every time PFLAG walks by in the parade and I see a lady who is maybe in her 70's. I can't remember exactly what her sign says, but it's something like "Grandma loves gays". It's amazing, and not something you'll see any other time of the year.
Why is PrideFest important to the GLBT community?
PrideFest is important to the GLBT community because each one of us is at a different point in our coming out process. I've met a number of people for which it's their first Pride and they drove in from Utah or Montana and they're very grateful to be here. For those of us that have been here for a while, it's a chance to see other people in the community that we wouldn't normally see. The GLBT community has a number of sub-communities that don't necessarily mingle, and PrideFest is one event that we all have in common.
What projects are you currently working on?
Getting performers together for shows this summer has been quite a project in itself! Outside of that, though, I've got some big-name producers working on some remixes for me and when the shows ramp down I'll be going back to the studio with some new material. Outside of music, I'm also working on a community project to bring fresh produce to a women & children's shelter in Denver. The name of the project is Half of Plenty [www.halfofplenty.org] and I'm still trying to get more participants. If anyone is interested, please e-mail me!
What is your message for readers of the PrideFest Blog?
Be sure to come to PrideFest and enjoy all that it has to offer! The Center, all of its vendors, its performers, and its sponsors [like Stoli] put so much effort into making it a great event for everyone. We are so fortunate to have PrideFest in our backyard, so let's enjoy it! Also, I've got a booth again this year, so stop by to get some autographed CDs if you have the chance! We've got a show at Independent Records & Video on Colfax at 11 am Sunday just as the parade is finishing up, and then we'll be on the main stage at 2:15, shortly before Martha Wash.
For more information on James Roy be sure to visit his website James Roy Music.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Sophie B. Hawkins interview update
I was hoping to get my interview with Sophie B. Hawkins posted up here today but this Pre-PrideFest week has been so hectic (and we ended up talking for so long that there's a ton of stuff to wade through - man, does she have some political opinions!) that I haven't had a chance yet. I'm crossing my fingers to have it up tomorrow but it might even show up as late as Thursday. Just wanted you to know. And knowing really is half the battle! In the meantime, please to enjoy her video for 'Walking on Thin Ice' below:
Meet PrideFest Performer Laurie Dameron
A lifelong Colorado resident and entertainer, Laurie Dameron will make her PrideFest debut this Saturday, June 21 on the Main Stage at 1:30 p.m. She will perform selections from her vast repertoire of folk, pop, country, blues and jazz, including selections from her newest CD, a collection of her favorite standards.
Drew: Hey, Laurie, how is your new CD different from your first two, ‘Utah Dream’ and ‘Looking Through the Blue’?
Laurie: The new one is unlike the first two in that were all original and this one is twelve of my favorite jazz standards and one original that’s bound to be a hit. The title cut is “I Can’t
Wait to See You Again.
I went on a date one night and when this woman dropped me off I got my guitar out and I started thinking, ‘god, I can’t wait to see her again’ and it was the fastest song I ever wrote. I wrote it in about an hour and a half.
Wow, so how’d that story end?
Well, the story is that she had just gotten out of a ten-year relationship with another woman and she didn’t really want to get serious and just wanted to be friends. Then about a month or two later, she had a girlfriend. But at least I got the song out of it.
I know this will be your first time performing but do you usually attend PrideFest?
Actually, I’ve only been once, a few years ago, to watch the parade. It was great. I thought the Dykes on Bikes were spectacular.
What is your message for readers of the PrideFest Blog?
I just want to inspire people and also help them forget about their troubles for a while.
For more information about Laurie Dameron visit her website www.lauriedameron.us.
Madonna: Like a Virgin
Madonna of the Day is dedicated to Mitch, who says, "I will always vote for "Like a Virgin" since that is me."
I'm not so sure that's true but, either way, please to enjoy "Like a Virgin:"
Mitch, you keep it under lock and key and keep listening to PrideFest sponsor ONE FM for your chance to win free tickets to Madonna in Denver!
The Center announces complete PrideFest Schedule of Events
The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center of Colorado—The Center—presents PrideFest, the annual two-day celebration and parade commemorating the launch of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) movement for civil rights, on June 21 and June 22, Saturday and Sunday, in Denver’s Civic Center Park. Check out the entire Schedule of Events after the jump.
Family Field Day Schedule – Denver PrideFest June 21, 2008
11am – 4pm – PrideFest Family Interactive Area – visit all kinds of kid and parent friendly booths, including the WaMu Imagination Station, the Children’s Museum of Denver, the Raptor Education Project, face painting, snow cones, GLBT friendly cartoons and more!
11am – 4pm – PrideFest Family Field Day – 14th and Broadway. Hoola hoop, sack races, relay races, water balloons and more! Compete for fun prizes and family glory!
11am – 12pm – WaMu Kids Parade – Coors Main Stage. Bring your bike, wagon, trike, or yourself and join the Mile High Freedom marching band in the kids parade! Decorations and toys will be on hand for everyone.
11.30am – 1pm – the Rocky Mountain Arts Association family friendly performances – Coors Main Stage. Enjoy the harmonies of the Denver Gay Men’s Chorus, Mosaic Youth Chorus, Harmony Chorale, Denver Women’s Chorus and Sine Nomine performing magical mini-concerts.
12pm – 4pm – PrideFest Family Scavenger Hunt – beginning at 14th and Broadway. Test your knowledge of PrideFest around the park and enter to win a free prize!
12.30pm – World Famous Dogs in Drag Contest, Coors Main Stage. Show off your perfect pooch! Everyone is welcome to bring their decked-out four-legged friend.
1pm – 2pm – Rocky Mountain Roller Girls Roller Derby Demonstration – 14th and Broadway. Watch how the Rocky Mountain Roller Girls train for their bone-crushing bouts!
Coors Main Stage Line-up Saturday, June 21
Time Slot Performer
11:00am Kids Parade Kick Off
11:15am Harmony: A Colorado Chorus
11:30am Denver Womens Chorus
11:45am Denver Gay Men’s Chorus
Noon Kids Parade step-off
12:30pm World Famous Dogs In Drag Contest
12:45pm Mosaic Youth Chorus
1:00pm Sine Nomine Chorus
1:15pm Drag Kingz of Tranzcend
1:30pm Laurie Damron
2:00pm Girl Named Kyle
3:00pm Sophie B. Hawkins in Concert!
Coors Main Stage Line-up Sunday, June 22
Time Slot Performer
11:30am – 12:00pm Next Stage Presents: OUTcast
12:00pm PrideFest rally featuring Grand Marshall Donna Rose
12:30pm The Melanie Susuras Band
1:00pm Court Clark
1:15p The Demented Divas w/ Nuclia Waste
1:45pm Calpernia Addams
2:15pm James Roy
2:45pm Nina Montaldo
3:00pm The Ultimate Event starring Martha Wash
3:45pm Royal Rush Dance Troupe
Denver PrideFest 2008 Stoli DanceWorld DJ Lineup
Saturday, June 21st
2-3pm Dj Sante
3-4pm Dj Skunk
4-5pm Dj Ken-E
5-7pm Dj Pride
Sunday, June 22nd
12-1pm Dj Markie
1-2pm Dj Craig C
2-3pm Dj Foos
3-4pm Dj Gary Gavant
4-5pm Dj Tatiana (closing)
Coors Brewing Company is the presenting sponsor of Denver’s PrideFest, which draws more than 210,000 celebrants. It is one of the largest GLBT Pride celebrations in the country, the largest in the Rocky Mountain West and one of the largest events in Downtown Denver. Other sponsors include: Comcast, Stoli Russian Vodka, Mike Shaw Automotive, Hewlett Packard, Out Front Colorado, Sirius Satellite Radio, Eldorado Natural Spring Water, The Denver Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau, AM760, Kaiser Permanente, Purple Avocado Catering, Public Service Credit Union, 101.5 Martini Radio, 107.1-OneFM, Denver Film Society, KGNU-AM/FM, CafeVivid.com, Washington Mutual, Blog Pro, Colorado Quit Line, National Teleprinting, and Wells Fargo.
The Center is proud to announce the 2008 Grand Marshal will be Donna Rose. Donna Rose has made tremendous contributions to the transgender community and continues to be an advocate for the GLBT movement. Denver is proud to have her join us in celebration.
The parade is followed by an all-day celebration of camaraderie, entertainment, wonderful food, and dozens of vendors at downtown Denver’s beautiful and historic Civic Center Plaza. The Festival begins runs from 11a.m.– 6pm on Saturday and 10a.m. – 5pm on Sunday, and hosts approximately 250 retail exhibitors, 25 food vendors, and five soft beverage and beer booths.
PrideFest is fun, free and fabulous.
More information about The Center and PrideFest may be accessed via the worldwide web at www.glbtcolorado.org and at www.denverpridefest.org
-end-
# # #
Founded in Denver in 1976, The GLBT Community Center of Colorado—The Center— is one of the nation’s oldest organizations serving gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) people. As the largest GLBT institution in the state, The Center is Colorado’s voice on a broad range of issues that affect GLBT people in the state. The Center is the only statewide, nonprofit community center dedicated to providing support and advocacy for Colorado’s gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender communities. We serve as a catalyst for community organizing, support services, social activities, and cultural events. Social and support group events at The Center attract over 2,000 people to the facility every month. We also offer meeting space for community organizations. The Center’s programs include:
• The Center's Legal Initiatives Project (CLIP)
• Rainbow Alley Youth Drop-in Center
• Public Policy Advocacy
• GLBT Social & Support Groups
• Health Resource & Referral
• Healthy Living Project
• News Media Resource & Referral
• PrideFest
• Speakers Bureau
• Safe Facility for Group Meetings
• Terry Mangan Memorial Library
• David Bohnett Cyber Center
For more information, please visit The Center’s website, www.glbtcolorado.org.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Madonna: Drowned World/Substitute for Love
Interviewing Sophie B. Hawkins
I've got an interview with PrideFest headliner Sophie B. Hawkins scheduled in less than an hour and will probably get that written up and posted tomorrow. In the meantime, enjoy a little of this Sophie B. action:
Geez Louise, have you ever seen a better head of hair than Sophie's?
Friday, June 13, 2008
Madonna: What it Feels Like for a Girl and Take a Bow
Thursday, June 12, 2008
A message from the Pride Angel of Peace
Mr. Wilson:
Good morning. Thank you posting my picture and interview on your blog.
I'm a little overwhelmed by the responses I've received. I was making an appearance in Lake Tahoe this last weekend and didn't know anything about it until this morning.
However, I was totally unprepared for the email from a US soldier stationed in Iraq, who was, because of his location, unwilling to name himself, but wanted me to know, he remembered having his picture taken with me at PrideFest 2005! He asked me to continue to pray for peace for himself and those who long to return home!
You didn't think your blog would reach so far, did you?
Peace be with you!
Philippe LeJohns
Pride Angel of Peace
* reprinted with permission from the Pride Angel of Peace
The Center's Deb Pollock on KGNU
KGNU had The Center's Development and Communications Director Deb Pollock, Out Front Colorado's Matt Kailey and longtime GLBT activist Phil Nash on their Metro show yesterday to talk about the past, present and future of Denver's GLBT community. If you missed it you can read about some of the highlights on MileHighGayGuy where I live blogged the show as it happened.
KGNU will be broadcasting live from PrideFest from 1-3 p.m. on Sunday, June 22.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Madonna: Material Girl
This one's for Sonny. Some boys kiss him, some boys hug him.
Remember, ONE FM is giving away free Madonna tickets at PrideFest so click the link for your chance to win. Cuz we are living in a material world, and you are a material girl.
The Drag Kingz of Tranzcend
Don't miss Jasper Nova, Starr Masters, Hunter Down, Onyx and Elvis on Saturday, June 21 on the Main Stage at 1:15 p.m.
Check 'em out on their myspace page for lots of photos and upcoming news and events.
PrideFest Main Stage performer Melanie Susuras Band at The Walnut Room
Don't miss the Melanie Susuras Band at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 22 at PrideFest's Main Stage.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Madonna: Vogue
Today's Madonna video is dedicated to my old high-school buddy (and current co-chair of the Board of Directors of The Center) Brian Brant.
You're darn tootin', Brian, it's got to be Vogue (remember dancing to this at Joel's house in Sterling?):
ONE FM will be giving away a pair of Madonna concert tickets to the November 11th show at Pepsi Center in Denver. The prize will be awarded on the Main Stage at Pridefest. ONE FM will be taking entries/registration at their booth at Pridefest and entering is as simple as filling out an entry form and dropping it in the box. Winner must be present at Pridefest to win. Keep tuned to ONE FM for more details.
Make friends with the Fly Girls
Tell the Fly Girls that PrideFest Blog told you to be friends with them!
Monday, June 9, 2008
Madonna: Like a Prayer
In response to my call for nominations for favorite Madonna videos in honor of Madge's upcoming Denver concert I got this message from Mike, "I like the one where she's all slutty and prances around in skimpy outfits."
Of course I asked him to clarify and he narrowed it down to 'Like a Prayer' even though he doesn't 'get the religious undertones.'
ONE FM will be giving away a pair of Madonna concert tickets to the November 11th show at Pepsi Center in Denver. The prize will be awarded on the Main Stage at Pridefest.
ONE FM will be taking pre-registration entries at multiple locations leading up to Pride with a huge focus on their live broadcasts on Saturdays at Wilde Dancebar and Lounge.
Additionally, ONE FM will be taking entries/registration at their booth at Pridefest! Entering is as simple as filling out an entry form and dropping it in the box. Winner must be present at Pridefest to win. Keep tuned to ONE FM for more details.
Meet the People behind PrideFest: Rahn Anderson, Volunteer and Administrative Coordinator
How long have you worked with PrideFest?
This will be my third consecutive PrideFest in this capacity; I volunteered “many, many” years ago when things were simpler and smaller! [I also know that no volunteer coordinator has served more than one festival until I came along.]
What exactly do you do with PrideFest?
I solicit and place the volunteers for the festival. In 2006, after just two weeks in my job, we had 90 volunteers “on paper.” Not as many showed up to actually work the festival and we had “0” volunteers to help with the strike Sunday night! In 2007, with a good record and a bunch of consistency under my belt, we had over 200 volunteers at the festival with another 20 for the parade; the Denver Dykes on Bikes worked as a group to assist with the strike Sunday night and it was a dream duty! For 2008, we are looking for about 250 volunteers!
How did you come to be involved with PrideFest?
I joined the volunteer staff at The Center in early 2006 after retiring from 33 years of teaching English at Arapahoe High School in Centennial and enjoying some time off; but I felt isolated and non-productive so I put out several volunteer applications. I remember The Center when it first started and when it was located on Williams Street, just north of Cheesman Park. It had two rooms on the middle level of a three-story brownstone, one staff member [Phil Nash], one desk, one manual typewriter, one dial phone, and one mission!
After serving as a volunteer for three months and seeing this position sit empty for three months, I stepped forward and was hired!
What is your favorite part of PrideFest?
My favorite part of this festival is the very early morning hours, from 5am when we report until about 8am; I am amazed at the energetic and positive volunteers who show up that early “raring to go.” The site is somewhat pretty with all the colors, the slow movement of setting up and the cooler temperatures. It is also very, very quiet!
What is your most memorable PrideFest moment?
I have two most memorable moments: the first year {2006} I did not wear my hat as often as I should have and I burned the right front side of my face and contracted sun poisoning. This is not a happy memory but a very educational one! Last year, I shared the joy of working with a transgender teenager [female to male] completing community service because of trouble with the coming out process. Luke was so joyful and so energetic; he completed just under 40 hours across four days in his first truly “out” experience. I learned so much from this person about giving and giving and giving in order to find!
Why is an event like PrideFest important to the GLBT community?
This event is important as a common gathering point and a celebration. It does bring many diverse [and otherwise isolated] elements of our broad GLBTQQIA community together at one time with a generally agreed upon goal: Let Us Be Seen As WHO We Are, not what and many times not even why. It does give freedom for many to exploit the days [dressing in disregard for the general populous, drinking to huge excess, and rowdy behavior] but at least we have that, when for many years we did not have it!
Friday, June 6, 2008
Martha Wash: Givin' it to Ya (at L.A. Pride)
Here's just a taste of what you can expect from Martha Wash this year at PrideFest.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Meet the Pride Angel of Peace
Drew: Tell me a little bit about being the Pride Angel of Peace.
Pride Angel: The Pride Angel of Peace was started in 2004 to espouse the beliefs of those Peace Makers who have gone before us, Ghandi, Martin Luther King & Pope Paul VI who said "If you seek Peace, work for Social Justice." I never attend antiwar rallies. Like the late Mother Teresa said 'If you have a antiwar demonstration, don't bother to ask me. If you have Peace Rally, I will be more than happy to spread Peace to all humankind'.
What is your favorite thing about PrideFest?
Getting dressed and appearing at the Parade and Festival as the Pride Angel of Peace. Having my picture taken repeatedly. (I posed for over 500 pictures in 2007 alone)
What is your most memorable PrideFest moment?
While, in the parade, every year, I stop at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, remove the Rainbow Crown of Peace from my head, bless the church 3 times asking God to bless those who have been injured due to their sexuality and forgive those who have injured them.
Madonna: Express Yourself
Readers of this blog will know that I've been posting Madonna videos in honor of her upcoming Denver concert and the free tickets to that concert that PrideFest sponsor ONE FM is giving away. But why should I have all the fun of picking and choosing which Madonna videos to post? I decided to open it up to nominations from all the boys and girls over at Connexion. Right away I got two votes for the 1989 classic, 'Express Yourself':
"'Express Yourself,' it's the first song I stripped to in Austin, TX," said Will
"'Express Yourself'. 'Human Nature' comes in a close, close second," opined Steve
Thanks to everybody who responded with their nominations, I'll be posting them up everyday between now and PrideFest!
A message from PrideFest performer James Roy
"'Rise Above' DID reach MTV Logo's Top 10 Click List last month because of your votes and I want to thank you for being so generous with your support. They've kept the video up there for voting and I've got a direct link on my main page now [www.jamesroymusic.com], so if you can still vote a few days a week, that would be great!"
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