Weekend Roundup
Friday, June 8
Philly Pride kicks off today with a brand new block party in the heart of the Gayborhood (on 12th between Walnut and Spruce). The party gets started at 6 p.m. with drinks, dancing, food and live entertainment – also check out the bars and clubs in the neighborhood for specials.
You can even purchase your Pride Day Festival admission wristbands in advance of Sunday’s party on Penn’s Landing.
The Summer of Love is also celebrating Philly AIDS Thrift (5 p.m.) at Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens. There’s live music by Dangerous Ponies, a silent auction and music by DJ TransAM.
It’s the Second Annual Being Queer Saved My Life: An Evening of Solidarity and Pride (7 p.m.) at the William Way.
Saturday, June 9
The Philly Dyke March kicks off at Kahn Park (3 p.m.) and invites everyone to march, bike, skip and show pride.
William Way LGBT Community Center hosts Homecoming 2012, a Pride party starting at 6 p.m. with live entertainment, drinks and food. Click here for details about the event.
Arouse is the official after-party for the the Philly Dyke March and Homecoming 2012 (10 p.m.) at Adesso.
The Pride parade kicks of at noon in the Gayborhood (13th and Locust). This year’s Grand Marshal is Brian Sims, the state’s first openly gay legislator. Sims won the primary and will be heading to Harrisburg next year. He’ll be joined by Grand Marshals Betty – an all women’s folk-rock band – famous for penning the theme to The L Word.
Also in the parade: Mr. Philly Gay Pride 2012 Rough Ryder, Miss Philly Gay Pride 2012 Isis Brooks D’Shey, and Youth Grand Marshals Phantazia Washington and Azeem Hill. Look for representatives from area organizations, bars and groups who will also be parading their pride along the route, which stretches through the Gayborhood, past Washington Square and down Market Street to Penn’s Landing.
Courtesy of Carlease Burke
Comedian Carlease Burke is this year’s reviewing stand announcer (the stand’s located between 5th and 6th on Market). There are 12 judges this year handing out prizes for the best floats and performances.
After the parade, the party starts at Penn’s Landing with live entertainment, more food than ever before, booze and plenty of vendors. Please make sure you stop by G Philly’s booth to meet the editor and to pick up a free copy of the summer issue. We’ll also be giving away prizes.
There’s a family-friendly area on Penn’s Landing this year where kids can learn how to build birdhouses. Pet Zone will also feature an adoption area. Overall, there are more than 135 community groups and vendors participating in Philly Pride this year – and plenty of entertainment.
Wendy Williams headlines this year (main stage entertainment begins at noon, though expect the talk show diva to take the stage by 4:30 p.m.). Williams will be answering audience questions in a special live “Ask Wendy” segment. Sabrina Johnston and Betty will also be performing live as Henri David emcees.
Courtesy of Liberty City Kings
We’re also excited about the crew from Believe: Divas in a Man’s World from Resorts in Atlantic City performing at Pride. You’ll get a taste of the show featuring Cher, Joan Rivers and Liza Minnelli (impersonators). Take it from us – they’re the best in the business.
Other entertainers include: Cabaret performer Shannon Agnew, Cheer New York, Liberty City Kings, Finesse Ross and a special performance of Saga: The Rock Opera.
Bruce Yelk’s Triumphant Pride (1 p.m.) is the place to be after Pride on Penn’s Landing. Join DJ Reenie Kane, Oh My Josh, Fuego Dance Company, Mega Men and the Dragapalooza Divas at Mad River (here’s a tip: doors open at 1 p.m. with free admission until 2 p.m.).
Make your way back to the Gayborhood for the eight-hour Stimulus Pride party at Voyeur (starting at 4 p.m.) with five DJs and a mix of dance, Latin, pop and old-school hits.
For more information about Pride, click here.
