DETROIT – Organizers of Motor City Pride just announced the entertainment lineup for this year's Pride festival, which takes place in downtown Detroit's Hart Plaza June 11-12. Taking the Pride Stage on Saturday will be Kim Chi, who was a Top 3 finalist on season eight of "RuPaul's Drag Race," the popular Logo television series which just wrapped earlier this month. An incredible makeup artist and clothing designer, Chi was criticized on the show for her poor runway walking skills. Still, the underdog came from behind to become a finalist on the show.
Adore Delano also made Top 3 on the show on season six. A talented vocalist who also performed on the seventh season of "American Idol" in 2008, Delano released her debut CD "Till Death Do Us Party" in 2014, and the follow up — "After Party" — earlier this year. Delano started off slow on "RuPaul" but would go on to win three challenges in the competition. Her show at Hart Plaza is guaranteed to be a real crowd pleaser.
Also performing on Saturday are Johnathan Celestin, a New York-based vocalist who has been featured in the touring company of several hit Broadway shows, R&B singer Shadina and Ann Arbor's own singer/songwriter and trans activist Jaimie Wilson.
Sunday's performers include Jeffery Austin, who finished in fourth place on the ninth season of "The Voice," openly gay country singer Steve Grand, dance music duo Jason Maek & Zaena, Detroit soul singer Alise King and vocalist Sam Tolson from Toledo, Ohio. Also on Sunday will be the Mr. and Miss Motor City Pride contest and a performance by Sing OUT Detroit. Meanwhile, there are four other stages in the plaza on which you'll find drag revues, burlesque shows, poetry performances and much more.
"Just as we have a diverse community with a variety of interests, we do not bring just one headliner, we bring in a variety of acts — both national and local — that will appeal to the many different interests of the LGBT community," said longtime Motor City Pride Chair David Wait. "The entertainment committee has been working hard to bring together a great mix of entertainers to perform at the festival. Over 200 individuals will perform on five different stages."
Still Time to be a Part of the aAction
As of now, Motor City Pride is still looking for volunteers to join their Pride Team. There are a number of shifts and positions available. If interested, visit www.motorcitypride.org. Volunteering at Pride is a great way to meet other people and join the Pride movement. There's also still time to reserve an exhibit location. From small nonprofit groups to vendors looking to sell merchandise, Motor City Pride has a space to fit every group and budget. Finally, make your plans now to participate in the Motor City Pride Parade, which steps off at noon on Sunday, June 12. Visit http://www.motorcitypride.org for more information.
