Welcome On behalf of Charlotte Pride, we would like to welcome you to the 2013 Charlotte Pride Festival and inaugural Bank of America Charlotte Pride Parade. For the 13th year in a row, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning and queer (LGBTQ) people and their allies in the Queen City have come together to present our annual Charlotte Pride events. We have much to celebrate – in our history, our growth and our future. Pride festivities have taken place in Charlotte since the late-1970s. We’re proud to be able to continue this grand tradition amid explosive growth. Today, our events are five times as large as our 2010 festival. In addition, we are presenting the inaugural Bank of America Charlotte Pride Parade – the first local event of its kind since NC Pride visited Charlotte in 1994. We hope you’ll enjoy the wide variety of events we have planned in the days and weeks leading up to our festival and parade on Aug. 24-25. We thank you, our various community partners and our many new and returning sponsors and donors for your ongoing and continued involvement and support of our organization. Without this support, this annual event would not be possible. Because of you, Charlotte Pride has become the largest event of its kind between Atlanta and Washington, D.C.! Let’s continue to work together as we grow and make positive change for our community.
RICHARD GRIMSTAD
CRAIG HOPKINS
2013 Co-Director richard@charlottepride.org
2013 Co-Director craig@charlottepride.org
Charlotte Pride
Executive Committee & Board of Directors Richard Grimstad: Craig Hopkins: Dave Webb: Joe Davis: Jamie Hildreth: Douglas Lowe: Jeff Sampson: Patrick Paige: Jonathan Hill: Heaven Salim: Gary Carpenter: Matt Comer:
Co-Director & Treasurer Co-Director Parade Chair Development Chair Development Vice Chair Entertainment Vice-Chair Operations Co-Chair Operations Co-Chair Entertainment Chair Community Development Chair Committee Secretary Media & Marketing Chair
Charlotte Pride Committee Volunteers Champions of Pride: Shane Windmeyer Community Development: Ryan Kingston Development: Jay Biles, Carlos Capps, Gary Chadwick, Cate Eble, Rich Hurley, Sara-Marie Miller, Marty Miller, Matthew Mitchell, Mario Newton, Joey Perkins, Michael Richter, JB Thompson, Jason Scott, Jeff Sykes Media & Marketing: James Bourke, Chris Gillespie, Angela Grijalva, Lyn Thompson Operations: Robert Ervine, Billy Reasor, Kyle Snipe Parade: Natisha GrifďŹ n
CHARLOTTE PRIDE, INC. PO Box 32362, Charlotte, NC 28232 Charlottepride.org Charlotte Pride is a 501(c)(3) non-proďŹ t organization. Charlotte Pride would like to extend a special thank you and note of gratitude to the staff and congregation of Caldwell Presbyterian Church for their continued hospitality in hosting our weekly Executive Committee meetings and other events.
Inaugural Bank of America Charlotte Pride
Parade Grand Marshals
BISHOP TONYA M. RAWLS
WESLEY MANCINI
Visit charlottepride.org/parade for more information on our Grand Marshals.
Sponsors Presenting Sponsors
Leadership Sponsors
Visibility Sponsors
Equality Sponsors Empowerment Sponsors
Creativity Sponsors
To learn more about becoming a Charlotte Pride sponsor for future events, please visit charlottepride.org/sponsors/.
Friends of Charlotte Pride Thank you to our individual donors who helped make this year’s Charlotte Pride possible. Learn more at charlottepride.org/donate/ . Friend of Pride ($25 and up) Christian Burke, Stephen Cooley, Jenn Goddu, Drew Hughes, Bronwyn Jarsocrak, Mary Lemay, Ryan Kingston, Heather McCormick, Caroline McEachern, Gigi McMahon, Audrey Paige, Ryan Powless, Sophisticated Lyfe, Anonymous, Anonymous, Anonymous Tryon Tier ($50 and up) Joshua Bostwick, Matt Comer, Gil Croy/Gil Croy Designs, Angela Hopkins, Beverly Leslie, Donald Powell, Jason Woods, Anonymous, Anonymous Uptown Society ($100 and up) Scott Best & Todd Kreps, Ben Bryant & Mark McCauley, John Bubba, Cate Eble, Brian Griffith, Robbie Hunt, Richard Hurley, Rosalyn Allison Jacobs, Douglas Lowe, Jonathan Mays, John Rukavina & Jonathan Hill, Jeff Schmehl, Christopher Sites, Jeff Sykes & Lee Broadway, Dave Webb, Anonymous, Anonymous Center City Circle ($250 and up) Charlotte Royals Rugby Football Club, Joe Davis, Richard Grimstad, Craig Hopkins, Darryl Logsdon, Tara Moser Crown Town Trust ($500 and up) Paul Cookson, Peter Varney, Steven Wilson & Christopher Jones Order of Mecklenburg ($1000 and up) Charlotte Pride Executive Committee, Anonymous Court of Queen Charlotte ($1500 and up) Paul Kelly
Happy Pride! It’s time again for all things glitter and rainbows as we celebrate what makes each and every one of us fantastic and unique here in the faaaaabulous Queen City! It is an honor beyond belief that the Pocket Rocket was chosen by the Charlotte PRIDE committee to be the OFFICIAL PRIDE GUIDE for 2013! For everyone in our amazing LGBT and straight ally community and to all those visiting to help us celebrate, we want to wish you all a most fantastic PRIDE! So join us now and ip through this very special issue to see all the amazing events that are happening throughout Charlotte PRIDE. And with a little help from the PRIDE committee, we here at the Pocket Rocket thought it might be fun to celebrate Queen Charlotte herself as she strikes a pose and prepares to throw one diva-licious soiree! All hail the Queen... City that is! The Pocket Rocket is for everyone and strives to highlight all the incredible LGBT-Friendly businesses and events throughout our city each and every month. So enjoy, and BE PROUD! Editor in Chief, Tommy Feldman Cover Model: Charlotte Pride Co-chair Richard Grimstand Photography: Arron Malachi Art Direction: Tommy Feldman
Advertise monthly with the Pocket Rocket! tommy@charlottepocketrocket.com
Strike a pose! Members of the Charlotte Pride Executive committee strike a pose to hail Queen Charlotte (Pride co-chair Richard Grimstad)
Former Miss Charlotte Pride pageant winners: (L to R) Sierra Santana, Macy Alexander, Felicia Monet, London Nicole Dior, Cierra Nicole and Angela Lopez
Festival Attractions Bank of America Charlotte Pride Parade Sunday, Aug. 25, 1 p.m. – Join us for our inaugural Charlotte Pride Parade, the first local event of its kind in 19 years! Afterward, stick around for more great entertainment during the festival. VIP Areas Charlotte Pride VIP Experience presented by Time Warner Cable. Learn more and purchase passes at charlottepride.org/vip/ Flourish: A Celebration of LGBT Arts and Culture Presented by the Queer Arts Consortium and sponsored by the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, Flourish provides a taste of all that Charlotte’s LGBTQ arts and culture scene has to offer. Noon to 6 p.m. each day of the festival at the Bechtler Museum. Campus Pride LGBT-Friendly College Fair Levine Avenue of the Arts – Learn more about LGBTQ-friendly colleges and universities across the region and nation. They’ve traveled all the way to Charlotte to recruit the brightest and most talented young LGBTQ and ally minds! Learn more at campuspride.org. Know Your Status On-site – Charlotte Pride partners with Carolinas CARE Partnership again this year to bring you free and confidential HIV testing and counseling. Check charlottepride.org for updated location information.
Countdown to Charlotte Pride Join Charlotte Pride for a variety of events and activities leading up to our annual festival and parade. Highlighted events below. More information, including more exciting community and nightlife events plus times, locations and other detailed information, are available online at charlottepride.org/events/. “Gender Bender” Night Friday, Aug. 16 Charlotte’s “Rocky Horror” cast, That Type, presents a special “gender bender”-themed show. Guys will play girls and girls will play guys! Cinebarre, 8008 Providence Rd., Charlotte, NC 28277 Buff Faye’s Charlotte Pride Drag Brunch Sunday, Aug. 18 Featuring Buff Faye and past and the current Miss Charlotte Pride titleholders with proceeds benefiting Charlotte Pride. Hartigan’s Irish Pub, 601 S. Cedar St., Charlotte, NC 28202. Interfaith Pride Service Sunday, Aug. 18 Featuring a diversity of faith leaders. Caldwell Presbyterian Church, 1609 E. 5th St., Charlotte, NC 28204. Lesbian and Gay Combined Speed Dating Wednesday, August 21 What a great way to connect with the woman or man you’ve had your eye on for this year’s Charlotte Pride. 505E Restaurant and Lounge, 505 E 6th Street, Charlotte North Carolina 28202.
Countdown to Charlotte Pride Yoga Pride Thursday, Aug. 22 Featuring trained yoga instructors, giving you peace of mind and body in celebration of Pride. Location TBA. Shiprocked Thursday, Aug. 22 Shiprocked parties it up Pride-style. Snug Harbor, 1228 Gordon St., Charlotte, NC 28205. Ryan Cassata Friday, Aug. 23 Time Out Youth hosts a special performance with transgender youth and singer-songwriter Ryan Cassata. 1900 The Plaza, Charlotte, NC 28205 RedFrog Basketball Tournament Friday, Aug. 23 An all-inclusive basketball tournament. Celebrate health and ďŹ tness with Pride! Location TBA. Charlotte Pride Takeover Friday, Aug. 23 Join Charlotte Pride and Takeover Friday for a great night of schmoozing. The Westin Charlotte, 601 S. College St., Charlotte, NC 28202 Is your organization or business planning an event in the lead up to Charlotte Pride? We’ll help you promote! Submit your events planned for Aug. 16-25 at charlottepride.org/events/.
Inaugural Champions of
Pride Awards
The Charlotte Pride Champions of Pride Awards seek to recognize those whose work and dedication exemplify the spirit of Pride. Our Champions endeavor to empower and unite LGBTQ and allied people through their leadership, service and support. Champions understand the importance of celebrating our past, present and future while advancing LGBTQ rights and visibility. Learn more about our 2013 Champions of Pride at charlottepride.org/2013champions/ and be sure to look for them at the Charlotte Pride Festival and Parade! Charlotte Pride is proud to award our inaugural recipients this year: Janice Covington - Harvey Milk Award In recognition of her leadership and service championing LGBTQ equality and the inclusion of transgender people. Beverly and Bill McIntyre - Outstanding Ally Award In recognition of their stalwart support of the LGBTQ community and Beverly’s leadership with the NAMES Project, One Voice Chorus, PFLAG and other groups. Juan Carlos Ramos - Young Catalyst Award In recognition of his outstanding and courageous work advancing awareness, inclusion and equality for LGBTQ people, immigrants and undocumented youth and families.
The Entertainers:Wells Fargo Stage Schedule Saturday
12 Noon: Opening Ceremony featuring remarks from Charlotte Pride organizers, community leaders, a color guard and our national anthem. 12:15pm: She-N-She 1pm: Ashley Jo Farmer Band 2pm: Ryan Cassata 3pm: Josh Zuckerman 4pm: Eryn Woods 5pm: ShipRocked 6pm: Scorpio presents: RuPaul’s Drag Race 7pm: DJ Ghost 8pm: Big Freedia 9pm: Mya * After Mya’s performance, join DJ Ghost until 10pm
Sunday
2pm: 2:45pm: 3pm: 3:45pm: 4pm: 5pm:
Dylan Michael Actor’s Theater of Charlotte Spiralfire Champions of Pride Awards Scorpio presents: RuPaul’s Drag Race Judith Hill
The Entertainers Mýa
Wells Fargo Stage Saturday, 9pm
Grammy Award Winning Artist Mýa, is celebrating 14 years in the entertainment industry as an internationally known, respected singer, songwriter, producer, dancer/choreographer, actress, designer, model, activist and philanthropist. In Fall 2009 Mýa entertained the world and impressed millions as the highest scoring contestant on ABC’s Season 9 of “Dancing With The Stars.” Mýa also created her own label, Planet 9, and released the first of a series of independent music compilations, Sugar & Spice LP and “The Perfect Edition” double disc in Japan in 2008 & 2009. Mýa finished out the decade as one of Billboard’s Hot 100 Artists Of the Decade, and was featured on a number of diverse charts & top 10 lists from Fuse’s Sexiest Videos of All Time to VH1 Latin America’s Top Videos of The Decade. In 2010, Mýa also reprised her role as National Spokesperson for The North Shore Animal League’s Tour For Life and is featured in the Wyclef Jean remake of “We Are the World,” to benefit Haiti.
The Entertainers Judith Hill
Wells Fargo Stage Sunday, 5pm
Judith Hill came to national stardom as a contestant on this season’s “The Voice.” In addition to penning and performing her own material, Judith – who wrote her first song at the age of four – has backed such artists as the late Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder and Elton John. Hers is one of the stories told in the film “20 Feet From Stardom.” The film, which opens in select theatres across North Carolina on July 12, shines the spotlight on the untold true story of the backup singers behind some of the greatest musical legends of the 21st century. The “20 Feet From Stardom” trailer can be seen here. USA Today observed: “’20 Feet From Stardom’ features some of the catchiest and most memorable refrains, riffs and hooks sung by background vocalists, and tells the personal stories of some of the best voices in the business...in this film the stadium-filling rock stars play second fiddle.” Rolling Stone has praised Judith “stellar powerhouse vocals.”
The Entertainers Big Freedia
Wells Fargo Stage Saturday, 8pm
Big Freedia (pronounced “FREE-da”), known as the Queen of Bounce, is at the forefront of the Bounce rap movement (a subgenre of hip-hop born out of New Orleans, known for its call and response style and lightening speed booty-shaking dance). Performing five out of seven nights in any given week with dancers she calls The Divas, Big Freedia’s show is nothing short of dazzling. She tours every city in America from New York to San Francisco and is always a favorite at festivals such as Electric Forest, Hangout Fest, FunFunFun Fest, SXSW, and Bonnaroo, among many others. After appearing in two episodes of HBO series ‘Treme’ [as herself] and in 2010, she released her debut EP on Scion A/V Presents: Big Freedia, produced by NOLA producer BlaqNmilD. The EP featured notables “Excuse” (prod. by Jeremy Bell) and “Almost Famous; earlier fan-favorites include “Gin in my System” (prod. by BlaqNmild), “Azz Everwhere” (prod. by Blaza) and “Y’all Get Back Now” (prod. by BlaqNmild). In June of 2012, she was featured on “Peanut Butter” with singer-actor-model RuPaul.
The Entertainers 2013 Charlotte Pride Emcee Tiffany Storm Based in Charlotte, Tiffany has performed at countless show-bars throughout the Southeastern United States. Tiffany is the current Wednesday Night & Friday Night Show Hostess for The Scorpio(www.thescorpio.com) in Charlotte, the largest show-bar in the state. She has held numerous titles. Remember, beauty does not stop at a size 16!
Sunday, 4pm
RuPaul’s Drag Race, presented by The Scorpio The Scorpio is Charlotte’s longest running nightclub complex (44 years) catering to the gay/lesbian/bisexual/Transgender community. The doors are open to all. The Scorpio is home of the legendary Miss Gay NC America Pageant, one of the most prestigious state preliminaries of the Miss Gay America pageant system. The club is rich in history and has been supporting many local LGBT organizations through it’s long standing, proud existence. The Scorpio is immensely proud of its many awards and commendations throughout the years, which can be seen on display in the fabulous, shining, lobby trophy case. The Scorpio continues to offer a great high energy dance experience as well as the best shows for the gay community around. You can see the best in national titleholders and reality TV show entertainers as well as the best in local female impersonation. The club features four bars and two dance floors with the best up to date light system on the main dance floor, in the Southeast! It is with this success and high standards that the Scorpio is proud to present the following three female impersonators from “RuPaul’s Drag Race” which airs on the Logo Channel.
The Entertainers
Sunday, 4pm
Sunday, 4pm
Alyssa Edwards Alyssa Edwards is the drag mother of fellow “RuPaul’s Drag Race” contestant Shangela. Edwards appeared in the 2008 documentary “Pageant.” In November 2012, Logo announced that Alyssa Edwards was among 14 drag queens who would be competing on the fifth season of “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” Also on the show was former friend and pageant rival, Coco Montrese. As part of the show, Edwards sang on the “We Are the World”inspired song “Can I Get an Amen?” The song’s proceeds helped benefit the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center. For more information and booking visit allstarrmanagement.com. Detox Icunt Detox Icunt, known as Detox, is an American drag performer and recording artist. Detox was a fixture in the Southern California drag scene before gaining prominence on the fifth season of “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” Detox has appeared in music videos with Ke$ha and Rihanna and is a member of Chad Michaels’ Dreamgirls Review, the longest-running female-impersonation show in California. He is also a member of the band Tranzkuntinental. In January 2013, Detox was featured on the song “Boy is a Bottom” by Willam Belli. The song is a parody of “Girl on Fire” by Alicia Keys. “Boy is a Bottom” debuted at number six on Billboard’s Comedy Digital Songs, selling 3,000 downloads in its first week. For more information and booking visit producerentertainment.com.
The Entertainers
Sunday, 4pm
Coco Montrese Coco Montrese originally from Miami, Florida, she was born in 1992. She performed in many different cities in the U.S. Coco held the title of Miss Gay America 2010. Now residing in Las Vegas, Nevada, and being part of such an amazing cast in the “Most Outrageous Female Impersonator Show” Frank Marino’s Divas Show in Las Vegas Nevada. Coco performs at the number ONE GAY CLUB in AMERICA and with Great Pleasure to call home “KRAVE MASSIVE.” She appeared in “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season 5 and can be found online at cocomontrese.com.
The Entertainers
Sunday, 2:45pm
Saturday, 2pm
Saturday, 1pm
Actor’s Theatre of Charlotte Now in our 25th Season, ATC has become known throughout the Carolinas as THE place to see the best and brightest new plays from across the country. Performing numbers from their September show, “BLOODY BLOODY ANDREW JACKSON,” a hot new rock musical that re-imagines our sevent President as an Emo Rock star. Learn more at atcharlotte.org. Ryan Cassata Presented in collaboration with Time Out Youth and the Charlotte Lesbian & Gay Fund:: Ryan Cassata is a transgender singer-songwriter and motivational speaker living in San Francisco who, by the age of 19, successfully cut five records, booked and went on several tours, played several of the world’s biggest LGBT music festivals, won his high school’s first-ever Harvey Milk Memorial Award, become the youngest keynote speaker for the largest transgender conference in the world and appeared on national and international TV several times. Learn more at ryancassata.com. Ashley Jo Farmer Band Ashley Jo Farmer is a singer/songwriter rooted in the heart of NC. She is a straight ally of the LGBTQ Community, and an active supporter of marriage equality and gay rights. Her husband Tommy is on electric bass, Alan Grossman is on acoustic guitar and Louis Bodak brings everything together with the drums. Ashley Jo Farmer is the founder/artistic director at IdMarryYou. com, a website totally dedicated to bringing attention to the demand for marriage equality in America. Learn more at ashleyjofarmer.com.
The Entertainers
Saturday, 7pm
Sunday, 2pm
Saturday, 12:15pm
Saturday, 5pm
DJ Ghost DJ GHOST has been a Charlotte area DJ since 2004, starting at The Scorpio. He is currently a resident DJ for Marigny Dance Club and Hickory’s Club Cabaret. He performs at various clubs in Charlotte, Greensboro, Durham, Raleigh and Columbia, and was the closing act for Charlotte Pride in 2012. Follow him on Twitter @Ghost_Traxx. Dylan Michael Dylan Michael is a 24-year-old singer/songwriter living in the Atlanta area. Inspired by drag queens, David Bowie, Rihanna and Madonna, he is a showman. Being openly proud and gay is important to him so he strives to bring in the gay lifestyle into his music while not shoving it down your throat; he takes gay themes and shows that they can be universal. Proving that whether you are gay, straight or anywhere in between, everyone faces the same adversity and/or problems at times. Learn more at reverbnation.com/dylanmichaelmusic. She-N-She She-N-She is truly one of the hottest groups in and around the area of Augusta, Georgia, a group of extremely talented female musicians: Brandy, Drea, Kate and Rae. She-N-She have received multiple local awards for their music, opened for Eddie Money and Starship and released their second full-length album in 2012. Learn more at she-n-she.com. ShipRocked The wildest weekly event in underground Charlotte is also the longest running! Every Thursday night at Snug Harbor, D.J. Chaka Wolf Fever (a.k.a. Scott Weaver) spins a killer variety of Rock-n-Roll and Dance music and a cast of hot go-go pirates gyrate the night away! Learn more at facebook.com/shiprockedclt.
The Entertainers
Sunday, 3pm
Saturday, 4pm
Saturday, 3pm
Spiralfire Spiralfire’s sound hits that quintessential sweet spot where the lush indulgence of the late 80’s symphonic rock was shifting towards the raw honesty and grit of early 90’s grunge. Bands like Soundgarden, Smashing Pumpkins, Alice in Chains, Guns n’ Roses, Van Halen, and even The Police are as influential as Paramore, Muse, Chevelle, and more. Their modern approach to rock composition and performance is only strengthened and given depth by revealing those classic elements like The Who, Journey, AC/DC, and others. Learn more at spiralfiremusic.com. Eryn Woods With her unique style and youthful voice, singer Eryn Woods is ready to dominate the world with her eclectic brand of pop punk. Her music has already been featured on Vh1 and MTV and she has worked closely with designers Betsey Johnson, JoyRich, and DimePiece amongst others. As the queen of the “Kupcake” brigade — a term she coined to define her “sweet, fun and diverse” fan base — Woods’ musical and fashion influence on young Kupcakes is spreading around the globe. Learn more at erynwoodsmusic.com. Josh Zuckerman Raised in St. Louis, Missouri, a music town in its own right, Josh Zuckerman developed his first love for music. At the age of eight he was introduced to violin, which he studied for the next five years. Inspired by the sounds of the east coast, Josh relocated to New Jersey where he continued to compose his melodies and lyrics. He has released two CDs (“Out From Under,” “A Totally New Sensation”) to great reviews and has just released his newest CD (Got Love?). Learn more at joshzuckerman.com.
Shows
Video Bar
Drag
1. The Bar at 316 316 Rensselaer Ave. (704) 910-1478 www.thebarat316.com 2. L4 2906 Central Ave. (704) 567-2158 3. Cathode Azure 1820 South Blvd, Suite 106 (704) 823-6066 www.cathodeazure.com 4. Central Station 2131 Central Avenue (704) 469-2131
Pool
DJ/Dance
Dancers
Sports
Food
8. Marigny Dance Club/ Empire Lounge 1440 S. Tryon Street, Suite 110 (704) 910-4444 www.marignycharlotte.com 9. Nickel Bar 2817 Rozzelles Ferry Rd. (704) 916- 9389 www.thenickelbar.com/ 10. Petras 1919 Commonwealth Avenue (704) 332-6608 www.petraspianobar.com
5. Chasers 3217 The Plaza (704) 339 -0500 www.scorpios.com/Chasers
11. Rainbow In 4376 Charlotte Hwy. Lake Wylie, SC not show on map (803) 831-0093 20 minutes from Charlotte www.therainbowin.com
6. Hartigan’s Irish Pub 601 South Cedar Street (704) 347-1841 www.hartigans.com
12. Sidelines 4544-C South Boulevard (704) 525-2608 www.thesidelinesbar.com
7. The Hide A Way 405 Baskins Rd Rock Hill, SC (803) 328-6630
13. The Scorpio 2301 Freedom Drive (704) 373-9124 www.thescorpio.com
not show on map 20 minutes from Charlotte
14. The Woodshed 3935 Queen City Drive (704) 394-1712 www.woodshedlounge.com not show on map - near airport
Rocket Fuel
the Best Facebook Updates of the Month “You shouldn’t drink alcohol. Your body is a temple.” “Well, I’m renovating my temple and turning it into a bar.” How long do I have to wear skinny jeans before they start working? 70% of Americans are on prescription drugs. If you find that number depressing, talk to your doctor about Cymbalta. When I see lovers’ names craved in a tree, I don’t think it’s cute. I just find it strange how many people have knives on a date. My cell battery lasts longer than your relationships. When out in Ballantyne on a Saturday afternoon, there are apparently two types of creatures who are absolutely fearless when it comes to oncoming traffic. Squirrels and Soccer Moms. “They say MySpace is making a comeback.” “Well so is Small Pox but that doesn’t mean anybody is excited about it.” It’s so hot out, Jehovah’s Witnesses are telemarketing. You look chatty. I’ll take the next elevator. Total bro walking through the airport, on phone: “So dude, 10 years later he’s totally gay and wicked in-shape wih some hot boyfriend. He’s doing better than us all.” #pride