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.
Showing posts with label entertainment. Show all posts
Showing posts with label entertainment. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
The Drag Kingz of Tranzcend
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.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
PrideFest Main Stage performer Nina Montaldo's 10th Anniversary Coronation Video
Once an Emperor or Empress of the Imperial Court, always an Emperor or Empress of the Imperial Court.
Meet Nina Montaldo
The beautiful and talented Nina Montaldo has been doing drag since 1969. A former ICRME Empress (she just celebrated the 10th anniversary of her reign), Nina wows crowds year after year at PrideFest. Don't miss her performance this year at 2:45 p.m. on Sunday, June 22 on the Main Stage right before the legendary Miss Martha Wash!
Drew: Nina, how long have you been performing at PrideFest?
Nina: For many years. I first started in the 1980s.
What is your favorite thing about PrideFest?
When you see all those people out there. You just get high on the energy. I don't do drugs but you know what I mean? When you see all those people it just really makes you feel high.
Do you have a most memorable PrideFest moment?
They're all good moments.
What can you tell us about your performance this year?
This year I'm doing Shirley Bassey because she has a new album out. I'll be doing a Shirley Bassey medley. She's my favorite. I've been doing her since the '70s.
How has doing drag changed over the years?
It goes up and down. Some years it's good, like when La Cage aux Folles came out, and other years it's not so good. I don't know if it's up or down now.
How has PrideFest changed over the years?
Oh, it just gets bigger and bigger every year. That's a good thing.
Where else can we see you perform?
Once a month I'm in the show 'Dreamgirls' at Hamburger Mary's and I perform every Sunday at Charlie's with Michael Vrooman.
What message do you have for readers of the PrideFest blog?
Time goes by and you just have to keep going. Never look back. Always look ahead. And I look forward to seeing all my fans this year at PrideFest.
Friday, May 30, 2008
Meet Calpernia
Calpernia Addams, author, activist and recent star of Transamerican Love Story on LOGO is coming to PrideFest. Is she still looking for love? Will she find it in the Mile High City? You'll have to ask her on Sunday, June 22.
Demented Divas: From The Tonight Show to PrideFest
Wow, from The Tonight Show (the freakin' Tonight Show!!!) to Denver PrideFest, those Demented Divas really get around.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Meet Court Clark
Boulder singer/songwriter Court Clark has been a mainstay of PrideFest's Community Stage for the last five years but this year he has hit the big time and landed a coveted slot on the Main Stage.
Drew: Congratulations on making it to the Main Stage!
Court: Thanks. I've tried to get on the main stage for years and years and this year I was singing karaoke at Club M one night, which I frequently do, and DeMarcio (Slaughter, Main Stage Entertainment Coordinator) came up to me one night after I was done and offered me the Main Stage.
What was the song?
It was 'You Can't Stop the Beat' from Hairspray.
The music industry is really in the middle of a lot of changes. What's it like as a young person in the business?
Well, as far as the music business, I'm not exactly in it, but I'm trying to be! You just have to get yourself out there and it's not easy. I haven't had a lot of time yet to really focus on it but I'm trying to remedy that now.
Do you think being openly gay might hurt your chances for success?
Well, it might but I am comfortable with who I am and I'm not about to go back in the closet for the sake of a career. What you see is what you get with me. And the music industry is progressing, I think Columbia is actually starting a gay label, so it's something that I don't really worry about.
For people who haven't heard your music, how would you describe your sound and style?
It's hard to pin it down to one style of music. I have very eclectic taste, anything from showtunes to opera to rock and pop but what I mostly try to record is more of a rock sound and I try to put my own little spin on things.
What's your favorite part of PrideFest?
I don't know if I can name one single part. I love the whole thing! I love the street fair and the parade and the performances on the stages. I think it's good for the community because it gives us more visibility and gives people a chance to see who we are.
What message do you have for readers of PrideFest Blog?
Come listen to me on the Main Stage at 1 p.m. on Sunday!
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Hawkin' Sophie B.
Did you know that PrideFest 2008 Headliner Sophie B. Hawkins is a diehard Hillary Clinton supporter who has been campaigning and attending rallies for Clinton all over the country? Did you know the 'B.' in Sophie B. Hawkins stands for Ballantine? You learn something new everyday on the Denver PrideFest Blog!
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Friday, April 25, 2008
Royal Rush performing Ciara at PrideFest 2007
Local perormance troupe Royal Rush are always a highlight of the PrideFest festivities.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
A conversation with DeMarcio Slaughter, Main Stage Entertainment Coordinator for PrideFest
Well, this is actually a little bit more of a Q&A since I had some technical issues with the digital recording of our original conversation and had to fall back on good old-fashioned email. It's still good stuff, though, DeMarcio really brings a lot of energy and attention to detail to PrideFest and he does it all while looking really good in his white spandex (see pic below!):
Drew: So what is it exactly that the main stage entertainment coordinator does?
DeMarcio: My “job” is to review all the acts and bands that want to perform and create the best and most entertaining roster possible. Every now and then, I get lucky and can pull in a major headliner like Tiffany or CeCe Penniston. I also emcee the day, to make sure things are on track and keep the crowd jazzed (as I am) about who’s on next.
How did you come to be involved with PrideFest?
It started six years ago when a close friend of mine asked me to emcee her drag queen set. I got asked back year after year and,each time, I’d host a longer portion of the day. Before I knew it, I’d volunteered to put the whole thing together. I never expected to still be involved all this time later.
Why is this year's PrideFest going to be the best ever?
I want a big show! I want people to be entertained by a diverse group of performers who offer a bit of something to a vast group of people. We increased the budget this year – I raised several thousand dollars personally and pulled some strings so that we could have TOP names and quality performers. The parade will be bigger, the festival will be over two days and it’s going to be one of those shows people talk about until the next year. We get better because the volunteers work harder, seeing what was accomplished the previous year and doing whatever it takes to make it bigger and better.
Who have you booked as performers this year?
The local favorites will be there; James Roy, Nina Montaldo and Royal Rush ALWAYS wow the crowd. There will be some new bands and other fantastic local acts like Laurie Damron from Boulder and Court Clark, who is a regular at a local Karaoke bar.
Headliners will be Sophie B. Hawkins, who agreed to perform a full concert on Saturday and Martha Wash, (performing on Sunday) who I’ve been trying to book for three years! Amazing performers and the singing will be OUT of this world!
I’ve also been talking to Matthew Rush on a regular basis, and although he won’t be able to perform, I’ve emceed a show with him before and he is simply great to look at on stage. I am hoping that he can make it …
Why is it important to have celebrities at PrideFest?
Celebrities are like the icing on a REALLY good cake. You may like cake and know where to get the best cake in town, but if there’s no icing – it may not catch your eye and you may skip it, despite knowing that you’ll enjoy it. With our entertainment in Denver, I’ve got to have the best icing on our PrideFest cake!
If you could bring anybody to PrideFest, who would it be?
I like people who can sing and draw a crowd. If money were no object, I’d have Whitney open with the Star Spangled Banner and close with the Scissor Sisters. However, we are the only PrideFest around where you don’t have to pay $$ to see the entertainment. I’d love to get $15 for every person who saw Tiffany last year, then I could afford Beyonce or Madonna. I met Leona Lewis last week, and I immediately thought to ask her to perform (after she got in her limo and drove off…!)
What does PrideFest mean to you?
PrideFest means unity. It means love and togetherness. Pride has been embraced and championed by our community, however it is something that is completely celebrated and over the top for a few days in June, in the Denver. I am fortunate and thankful that I am able to do my part to contribute to such a positive celebration of positive change and acceptance!
What is your message for readers of this blog?
When you come to Pride: Number one, apply sunscreen and, number two, bring water. We are preparing the BIGGEST & BEST cake that Denver has ever seen and we don’t want you to miss out on one single bite!
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Sophie B. Hawkins confirmed for PrideFest
Damn, I wished Sophie B. Hawkins would be confirmed for PrideFest.
And now she is!
Monday, April 14, 2008
'It's Raining Men' is Denver's favorite Martha Wash song
Well, the poll is closed and Denver's GLBT community has spoken; with 57 percent of the vote, 'It's Raining Men' is our favorite Martha Wash song. I already posted clips of the original version and the sequel she did with RuPaul so now here are versions by Kelly Clarkson and the Spice Girls' Geri Halliwell:
And as an extra-special bonus, here's 'It's Raining 300 Men.'
Thursday, April 10, 2008
PrideFest Rumor Mill
I have it from a very good source that musclegod Matthew Rush just might be coming to Denver's PrideFest to sex the joint up this year. Sounds good to me! You'll know more when I do.
Here's a clip of him signing autographs at San Francisco Gay Pride:
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