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Opening Night of Pittsburgh Pride Gets Groovy

FREE concert Friday, May 31 at Point State Park

The First Ladies of Disco. Courtesy photo.

This year Pittsburgh Pride is dialing up the energy for an unforgettable multi-generational extravaganza! Imagine a fusion of fresh, new-school beats with the timeless allure of old-school grooves. It’s shaping up to be a weekend of epic proportions that you simply can’t miss. AND IT’S FREE!

Friday night is going to light up with the dazzling presence of The First Ladies of Disco!! Yes, you heard it right – not one, not two, but THREE iconic legends are hitting the stage. Brace yourselves to groove under the shimmering disco ball all night long.

The First Ladies of Disco

Dive into the heart of the disco inferno with the First Ladies of Disco, an electrifying supergroup that brings together the queens of the disco era. Imagine the soul-stirring vocals of Martha Wash, a two-time Grammy nominee and one-half of the legendary Weather Girls, known for the iconic anthem “It’s Raining Men.” Picture the R&B powerhouse Linda Clifford, whose hits like “Runaway Love” have left an indelible mark on the music world. And let’s not forget Norma Jean Wright, the dazzling voice from Chic, lighting up the dance floor with classics like “Dance, Dance, Dance.”

This trio isn’t just about nostalgia; they’re a vibrant testament to the enduring allure of disco-funk-soul-pop-dance magic. Martha, Linda, and Norma Jean aren’t just performers; they’re pioneers who’ve sculpted the soundscape of the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s with their explosive vocals and unforgettable performances.

When they unite as the First Ladies Of Disco Show, it’s not just a concert—it’s a full-blown celebration of disco culture. This show is a high-voltage journey through the era’s most cherished hits, alongside heartfelt tributes to other disco legends. It’s a performance that promises to get your heart racing and your feet moving, all while basking in the glory of disco’s golden age.

Martha Wash is the powerhouse behind not only “It’s Raining Men” but also the floor-filler “Sweat (Everybody Dance Now).” Linda Clifford’s anthems like “If My Friends Could See Me Now” have become the soundtrack of countless lives, and Norma Jean Wright’s tenure with Chic gave us anthems that still get the party started.

Having graced stages worldwide and recently concluding their Retro Music Box Tour to rave reviews, the First Ladies of Disco have been celebrated by the likes of Rolling Stone, Billboard, and the Huffington Post. Their TV appearances span networks from NBC to ABC, including a spot on The View.

Their singles “Show Some Love” and “Don’t Stop Me Now” rocketed up the Billboard’s Dance Club Chart, proving that these icons haven’t missed a beat. The First Ladies Of Disco Show is more than a concert; it’s a homage to the era that made them stars, brought to life by the original hitmakers themselves. It’s a must-see for anyone ready to honor the legacy and ongoing influence of disco, brought to you by Martha Wash, Linda Clifford, and Norma Jean Wright—the real deal in music royalty.

Stick around, ’round, ’round, ’round, ’round

Riley Knoxx, the number one Beyonce impersonator opens the night!

Riley Knoxx, the number one Beyonce impersonator, will open for the First Ladies of Disco. Riley Knoxx is a multi-talented force of nature – a performer, actress, fashion icon, activist, and the undisputed top Beyoncé impersonator globally. Boasting over 21 years on stage, Riley has not only dazzled audiences but also made monumental history as the first transgender woman to ever grace an NBA halftime show with her performance.

Riley’s star-studded career doesn’t stop at impersonation; she’s also shared the spotlight with music royalty, notably joining Taylor Swift for an unforgettable performance at the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards.

But Riley’s talents extend far beyond the stage. As a sought-after fashion designer, she’s crafted stunning looks for the glitterati, including Coco Jones, Drew Sidora, Kandi Burruss, Monique Samuels, Ashley Darby, Karen Huger, Neyo, and most recently, TS Madison. Riley Knoxx is more than a performer; she’s a trendsetter, a trailblazer, and a household name in both music and fashion.

This event is FREE but does offer a VIP experience for purchase. Details at PittsburghPride.com

Look for more announcements about Saturday’s performances soon.


Pittsburgh Pride kicks off a weekend of activities on Friday, May 31. The Pittsburgh Pride Festival at Point State Park takes place Friday, May 31 starting at 12:00 PM and Saturday, June 1 at 12:00 PM. The Pittsburgh Pride March & Parade is Saturday, June 1 with lineup beginning at 10 AM and stepping off at 12:00 PM. The parade will march down Liberty Avenue to Point State Park. Pittsburgh Pride moves to Bloomfield on Sunday. All information can be found at PittsburghPride.com

The Pittsburgh Pride Festival and its free concerts are separate events from the Pride on the Shore music festival happening at Stage AE on Friday, May 31 and Sunday, June 2. Information and tickets for Pride on the Shore can be found at PrideOnTheShorePGH.com

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