Kalamazoo Pride celebrates diversity
KALAMAZOO, Mich.鈥擜 two-day event celebrating diversity and featuring live music, food and activities will run Friday and Saturday, June 13-14, in downtown Kalamazoo.
The seventh annual Kalamazoo Pride kicks off at 5 p.m. Friday with DJ Matt Downey, the 鈥淢iss or Mister Kalamazoo Pride 2014鈥 local drag competition, and an encore performance by Chicago-based party band D茅j脿 vu. The evening鈥檚 headlining host will be drag artist Lady Bunny, known for her pop-song parodies and skits.
Performers for Saturday will feature the Chicago Cheer Brigade; local favorite Carrie McFerrin; Grand Rapids-based Americana/folk band The Crane Wives; and Niki Harris, a Benton Harbor native and former back-up singer for Madonna. Featured on "RuPaul鈥檚 Drag Race," Manila Luzon will return this year to emcee and perform.
Saturday鈥檚 headliner is the tribute band ABBA Salute. The music of this pop band will come to life in a Las Vegas-style show, recreating the full ABBA experience.
Kalamazoo Pride is sponsored by Bell's Brewery. All proceeds benefit the Kalamazoo Gay and Lesbian Resource Center, which organizes the annual event.
Last year, 11,000 people attended Pride, the largest fundraiser of the year for the organization.
Saturday鈥檚 popular vendor alley features organizations and businesses, as well as food and beverage vendors from all over southwest 九一麻豆制片厂. There will also be family-friendly activities planned throughout the day in the youth tent area.
Event tickets are $10 for a two-day pass, which is only available in advance, or $7 per day at the gate. They will be available at several sites in the Kalamazoo area, including the KGLRC office and on its website at .
For more information, visit .