Eclectic talent at Rhode Island Pride
0Rhode Island Pride's annual celebration on Saturday, June 19 will feature an eclectic mix of entertainers. The daylong festival kicks off at 12 noon on South Water Street in Providence and concludes at 8:30 pm with the Illuminated Nighttime Parade, featuring local celebrities, politicians, church and social groups, and a variety of dazzling floats. The theme of this year's event is Equality - Imagine the Possibilities. As in past years, the festival will feature a MarketPlace and Business Exposition, the Kid's Pride Zone and the Beer, Wine and Spirits Garden.
This year's festival leadliner is pop diva Amber. Amber has won over an enthusiastic collection of fans with a string of worldwide smash hits that include "Sexual (li da di)", "Above The Clouds", "The Need To Be Naked", "Yes!", "If You Could Read My Mind" (from the Studio 54 soundtrack with Ultra Nate and Jocelyn Enriquez), and "One More Night", she has racked up seven consecutive No. 1 dance singles and an additional six Top 10 dance hits.�
In addition, this year's PrideFest will feature local favorites and nationally recognized performers.� Included this year are:� NY Drag Superstar Peppermint and singer-songwriter Todd Alsup, who first made a name for himself with the release of his 2008 debut EP "Facts and Figures." The EP garnered steady radio rotation, rave reviews, a coveted Yamaha endorsement, and the attention of Billboard Magazine, where Alsup was featured as an up-and-coming artist to watch.
See The Glamazons
Another featured act will be The Glamazons, as seen on America's Got Talent.�
Created in 2001, The Glamazons are a plus-size pop group whose mission is to show the world that talent comes in all sizes. The fierce foursome consists of Lady Finger (Meryl Finger), Candy Apple (Sandra May), Caramella (Laura Johnson) and Ginger Snapp (Sarah Orr). They are known for their high energy live shows with tight vocal harmonies and precision choreography in which they perform everything from show tunes to hip hop.
The Glamazons vaulted to fame in 2007 when they were on NBC's "America's Got Talent," where they were among the Final Eight contestants.
The quartet has toured all over the world, including stops in Italy, Key West, Los Angeles, New York and Branson, MO. They were also featured in Torrid's Spring 2008 advertising campaign, appearing in Seventeen, Glamour and Bust magazines.
Joining them will be local favorites, including� Shryne, Becky Chace Band, Candace Brooks Band, Heather Rose, Michelle Ribeiro, and the extremely popular drag diva Sabrina Blaze.
Blaze, aka Wayne Hawkins, has appeared in several theatrical productions over the years, such as the Emcee in Cabaret, Billy Flynn in Chicago, Scrooge in A Christmas Carol and Albin in La Cage aux Folles. Blaze started working in charity drag shows and has received much praise for her work.
Providence Mayor David Cicilline recognized Blaze for her charity work and Blaze was voted entertainer of 2006. �
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"I just love the big crowd and how fabulous everyone is ," Blaze told EDGE. "Pride is so inspirational to me."�
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In 2008, the Volunteer Center of Rhode Island honored Hawkins as an Outstanding Volunteer for his service to his community through AIDS Care Ocean State. Blaze also can be seen regularly at The Dark Lady in Providence, hosting karaoke or starring in the comedy show Beauty and the Bitch with Kitty Litter. Blaze also has produced and directed her own shows, Sabrina Blaze the One Woman Show, and Sabrina Blaze Live in Concert.
The festival will also feature special performances from Miss Gay RI 2010 Savannah Devereaux and Mr. Gay RI Ben Huber, the King & Queen Ocean State 2010, the Imperial Court of Rhode Island, and Jackie Collins.�
And as in past years, the parties will continue the day after Pride.
The RI Pride Hangover Drag Brunch will be held on June 20 at Downcity on Weybosset Street in Providence. Seatings are at 11 am and 1:30 pm.
There will also be a Roller Derby at the Bank of America Skating Center in Kennedy Plaza at 3 pm.
For a complete list of events, visit RI Pride's web site at www.PrideRI.com.