PrideFest is a two-day free festival that showcases a diverse range of local and regional entertainment and includes 150+ vendors from LGBTQ organizations to faith-based to local businesses and corporate partners in an atmosphere that brings together our allies and celebrates our community.
Highlights
Check Your Blind Spots Bus
Stop by the Check Your Blind Spots tour bus and learn about about unconscious bias, or blind spots, and explore ways to mitigate this bias in your everyday life. Participate in a series of activities which expose you to the nuances of unconscious bias and then pledge your commitment to addressing personal biases and cultivate inclusive behaviors.
Mylan Wellness Village
In the Mylan Wellness Village, learn about all the resources available to you that that are working to help make Pittsburgh’s LGBTQ communtiy healthier. Get an HIV or STI test, visit the Gilead booth and learn about PrEP, stop by the University of Pittsburgh Smile with Pride booth and pick up some free oral hygiene samples, and much more!
Play the Doctor Match Game
Stop by the Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield area and check out their take on the popular game show! Contestants will be chosen and able ask questions to doctors as they look to find the ideal doctor match!
Kids Activity Area
Fun for all ages, the Kids Activity Area is filled with fun and fantastic inflatables as well as a crafting area.
UPMC Health Plan Van
Stop by the UPMC Health Plan van and get some important health measurements taken! Get a bone density check, have your blood pressure taken, and see what your Body Mass Index rating is all for free.
84 Lumber Tiny House
Could you live in 160 square feet? On Saturday, tour the 84 Lumber Tiny House and see if you could live happily with less.
Power Your Future Exhibit
On Saturday, visit the Power Your Future mobile exhibit, underwritten by EQT, which uses interactive games and activities to teach about natural gas and the many uses of this important natural resource.
For the latest PrideFest schedule, visit pittsburghpride.org or the Delta Foundation of Pittsburgh Facebook page.
Pridefest Entertainment!
Saturday, June 8
Princex
Princex made their debut in 2017 as Just Fern with a glassy essence and the underground anthem “Let’s Rob a Bank.” On the rise ever since, Princex is making waves on the East Coast as a refreshing and soulful voice in pop. Princex.bandcamp.com
Melissa Otero
Melissa Otero is a Pop/Rock and Latin Pop singer songwriter from New York City who has been featured on Lifetime’s “Dance Moms,” in the video game Rock Band, and on Telemundo’s “Reina de Corazones.” This year brings fresh music with the release of her album Erotomania. The lead single “Speak,” which is dedicated to the LGBTQ community, was released on February 1. Melissaotero.com
Billy Winn
Billy Winn is a singer, songwriter, recording artist, and performer who has been captivating audiences with his energetic shows and music releases, ranging from high energy dance records to emotionally charged EDM. Billy reached the top 20 on the Billboard Dance chart with the song “Future X Boyfriend.” Billywinn.com
Brave and Crazy
Brave and Crazy is an all-female band with a show that features over three decades of music from Melissa Etheridge. With over 100 years of playing experience, Melissa fans of all ages will appreciate these legendary rock hits brought to life. Facebook.com/BraveAndCrazyME
Ariband
Ari Charbonneau of ARIBAND is a Boston based singer-songwriter whose music crosses over folk, blues, pop, and self proclaimed “unfiltered RAWK.” With a unique and striking voice and an ability to draw outside the lines, ARIBAND’s improvised live musical arrangements include a touch of comedy and unorthodox song structures. Facebook.com/aribandofficial
Tshila
Born in Uganda, singer, songwriter and producer Tshila was named one of the 20 best unsigned artists in the world by the BBC World Service. Her first album, “Sipping From the Nile,” was released in 2006 and gained recognition from music critics around the world. Her second album “World in Crisis” addresses the social and political challenges the world faces, especially from an African woman’s perspective. Tshila.com
Bryce
Bryce is a dance-pop singer-songwriter based in Washington, DC. With his brand of magnetic and provocative live performance, Bryce weaves LGBTQ narratives in his music. Brycemusiq.com
The Danbees
Named the “coolest, young rock band from Brooklyn,” The Danbees are a fun, energetic, spontaneous rock’ n roll band. Thedanbees.com
Young Foolie
Young Foolie is a female rapper from Benson, North Carolina. She is songwriter, rapper and percussionist. Music has always been her way of life since the age of five and she is now pursuing her dream of being a rapper and producer. Twitter.com/yfcloutboy
The Lemington Gospel Chorale of Pittsburgh
Under the direction of Rev. Deryk Tines, the Lemington Gospel Chorale of Pittsburgh promises a good old foot stomping, hand clapping, soul stirring gospel singing of hymns, classics and original compositions.
For the latest PrideFest schedule, visit pittsburghpride.org or the Delta Foundation of Pittsburgh Facebook page.
Sunday, June 9
Bridge 19
Like a fine Kentucky bourbon, the Louisville band Bridge 19 has come of age with its new third album “In the Afterglow.” Mature and bold but sweet and satisfying, Bridge 19 sings about serious, timely topics while ensuring that their songs remain charming and fun. The band has performed at music festivals including MidPoint, RiverRoots, FreeFall, Lilith Fair and the International Folk Festival. They’ve also been featured on NPR, were ranked No. 1 in Thrillist’s “Top Louisville Bands You Need to Hear,” and was a finalist for Folk Artist of the Year at the 2015 Louisville Music Awards. Bridge19.com
Namoli Brennet
Named by Tuscon Weekly as “among the best folk-rock artists in the US,” singer/songwriter and trans woman Namoli Brennet has been touring the U.S. and Europe for over 12 years. A 4-time Outmusic award nominee, Namoli has been featured in the inaugural Trans 100 list and has self-released an astonishing 13 albums since her debut in 2002. Her music was featured in the Emmy-award-winning documentary “Out in the Silence” which details the struggle of a gay teen growing up in rural Pennsylvania. NamoliBrennet.com
Lena Jackson
Lena Jackson is a rapper, writer and poet from Raleigh, North Carolina. Lena began writing poetry as a child and later became intrigued by the cipher rap sessions she would see at school cafeterias in her teens. She eventually learned to interchange poetry stanzas for rap bars, and found pleasure in both spoken word and cipher rapping. Affectionately referred to as “The Wolf” for her fierceness and lyrical stamina, Lena’s guest features and live performances expose her raw talent and spirited personality. Lenajacksonmusic.com
No/Hugs
No/Hugs is an intense alternative rock band who has completed three national tours with headlining slots at Boston’s Japan Festival, Salem’s Annual Halloween Festival, Portland Pride and had a 2018 nomination as Best Band Of The Year by the annual Boston Music Awards. Nohugsband.com
C.J. Mitchell
C.J. Mitchell is a singer, songwriter, musician, and choreographer based in Pittsburgh. His latest studio album entitled “Music Therapy” is now available on iTunes, Spotify, and Tidal. C.J. loves performing and proudly represents his fellow LGBTQIA community wherever he goes. Facebook.com/CJmusictherapy
Joey Suarez
Joey Suarez is quickly becoming one of the hottest names in Electronic Pop music. As an independent artist, Joey has already earned 350K plays worldwide, garnishing over 135K followers. His recent release “Dancing by Myself” ranked #9 on the UK POP Charts. His previous singles “High in the Sky” and “Love me back” has been featured in Billboard, Huntington Post, and Digital Journal. Joeysuarez.com
For the latest PrideFest schedule, visit pittsburghpride.org or the Delta Foundation of Pittsburgh Facebook page.
Both days of PrideFest will also include performances from the region’s drag queen and king community, including the winners of Miss Gay Pittsburgh Pride, Miss Gay Pittsburgh Teen Pride, Mr. Pittsburgh Pride Drag King and Miss Pride Femme Fatale.
