The Delta Foundation of Pittsburgh is pleased to announce the full line up of entertainment and events for 2014 Pittsburgh Pride, which kicks off Sunday, May 25 and continues through Sunday, June 15.
The Delta Foundation of Pittsburgh is pleased to announce the full line up of entertainment and events for 2014 Pittsburgh Pride, which kicks off Sunday, May 25 and continues through Sunday, June 15.
Chaka Khan to headline Pride in the Street.
Under this year’s theme “Be Brave,” Pittsburgh Pride is Pennsylvania’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) event and is a time to remember the Stonewall Riots, which happened in New York in 1969. Every June, cities around the world pause to host a celebration to commemorate what is recognized as the beginning of the movement in the quest for Human Rights. Pittsburgh’s first Gay and Lesbian Pride Parade occurred on June 17, 1973 and had 150 participants. Last year’s events attracted over 76,000 people, according to City of Pittsburgh’s estimates.
Pittsburgh Pride kicks off on Memorial Day weekend when thousands descend upon North Park Lodge for the 39th annual Big Gay Picnic from Noon-6:30 PM at North Park Lodge. Often referred to as the “original gay pride,” the Big Gay Picnic is $25 in advance, $30 day of and includes a picnic buffet and all-you-can-drink Coors products. Tickets can be ordered http://www.pittsburghpride.org
New this year is Fabulous Gay Fridays, a free concert in Market Square in downtown Pittsburgh. Disco diva Martha Wash will get the crowd dancing on Friday, May 30 from Noon-1 PM as she sings her hottest hits live including “It’s Raining Men,” ‘Gonna Make You Sweat,” and “Everybody Dance Now.” World famous Britney Spears impersonator Derrick Barry will be the featured performer at Fabulous Gay Fridays on Friday, June 6.
Also new is the Stride for Pride on Saturday, May 31 at 9 AM. This 5K Run/1-Mile Fun Walk takes place on Pittsburgh’s North Shore and benefits the Delta Foundation of Pittsburgh. The 5K is $18 per person or $16 each for groups of 3 or more. The 1-Mile Fun Walk is $12 per person or $10 for groups of 3 or more. For more information, visit http://www.strideforpride.com
Events continue on Sunday, June 8 with two new events on Ellsworth Avenue in Shadyside: The Race to Equality, a stationary cycle class with lululemon athletica from 8 AM to 2 PM. One-hour slots are available for $25 and registration is available at www.racetoequality.org. Equality on Ellsworth takes place from 4-10 PM and features Charice who Oprah Winfrey called “the most talented girl in the world.” This event will be hosted by Marsha Monster Mellow with additional performances by Vanessa German (spoken word artist), DJ B-Tips, the Re-52’s (B-52’s Tribute Band), Phat Man Dee, and local Drag Queens and Kings. There is a suggested donation of $10 for the event and tickets can be ordered at www.deltafoundation.org/tickets.
Other highlights throughout the week include:
June 6-12: TransPride. A series of trans-positive events designed to represent the community in a progressive fashion in a safe and supportive space for all gender identities and expressions. For more info, visit transpridepittsburgh.org.
Tuesday, June 10: Legal & Financial Planning for Gay & Lesbian Couples. Presented by Maureen B. Cohon, Esq. & Elizabeth Poggi, Esq. from Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney, PC and Robert Lepre, Senior Vice President from Fifth Third Bank. 6 PM at WQED Multimedia in Oakland. This event is free, however an RSVP is required at [email protected].
Thursday, June 12: Splash! The annual pool party at the home of Steve Herforth and Peter Karlovich on Mount Washington. Tickets are $30 in advance, $40 day of at www.deltafoundation.us/tickets.
Friday, June 13: Pub Crawl. A chauffeured tour of over 13 LGBT-friendly bars and restaurants locations throughout town. Tickets are $30 in advance, $35 day of at www.deltafoundation.us/tickets.
Pride in the Street will take place on Saturday, June 14 from 5 PM to 1:30 AM when Liberty Avenue is shut down and thousands of Pittsburghers come to the biggest dance party in town. This year’s featured performer is ten-time Grammy Award winner Chaka Khan who will bring her live band, dancers, and singers to the 10th Street Stage. Tickets are $40 in advance and $50 at the gate (if available) and can be ordered at www.deltafoundation.us/tickets.
Opening for Chaka Khan will be Vita Chambers, Ayah Marar, and Lazaro Arbos.
After touring with Justin Bieber on his My World Tour, Vita Chambers released her song "Fix You" which was nominated for Best Dance Record and entered the Top 40 in Canada. Her latest single "What If?" shares a powerful message about falling in love and promotes her support of equality for all.
Ayah Marar has been firmly engrained in the dance underground for the past 10 years. She became a household name after her appearance on Calvin Harris' 2013 single "Thinking About You." Her debut single "Mind Controller" off her album "The Real" has more than a quarter million views on You Tube.
Lazaro Arbos was a 6th place finalist on the 12th season of "American Idol." He auditioned by singing "Bridge Over Troubled Water" and surprised the judges when, after to speaking to them with a significant stutter, he did not stutter when he sang.
At Noon on Sunday, June 15, the Pride March will start at the corner of Grant Street & the Blvd. of the Allies and wind its way through downtown, ending at PrideFest, a free street festival that is held on Liberty Avenue between 6th & 10th Street from 1-6:30 PM. PrideFest festivities include over 150 vendors, a children’s activities area, and day-long entertainment on two stages including an array of dance troupes, drag queens and kings, alternative rock group Betty, and gay country artist Steve Grand. Tickets for the Coors Light beer garden are $30 in advance, $35 day of at www.deltafoundation.org/tickets.
The Fab Five Event Pack includes tickets to five events for $99.00 including the Big Gay Picnic, Equality on Ellsworth, the Pub Crawl, Pride in the Street, and the Beer Garden at PrideFest. The Fab Five Event Pack is available until May 24 and can be ordered at http://www.deltafoundation.org/tickets
Sponsors of Pittsburgh Pride include the City of Pittsburgh, UPMC, Frank B. Fuhrer Wholesale, Clear Channel Radio, Southern Wine & Spirits, Philips, PNC Financial Services, Highmark, American Eagle, and Coca-Cola.
About The Delta Foundation of Pittsburgh:
The Delta Foundation of Pittsburgh is the leading lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) organization in Western Pennsylvania. Its mission is to be a vigilant catalyst for change that produces increased opportunities and a high quality of life for the LGBT community.