Where Pride brings the fun, uptown and elsewhere
Charlotte Pride symbolizes a deeper purpose this year in lieu of the controversial “bathroom bill.” But while HB2 may make cries for equality more urgent, it won’t dampen the fun.
Pride ends this weekend with uptown’s two-day extravaganza. Here are a few acts and events not to miss.
The Starlets: Outspoken R&B singer K. Michelle headlines Saturday’s lineup with up-and-coming dance-pop starlet Eden xo (“Too Cool to Dance”), and Australian singer/producer Vassy, whose collaborations with Tiesto & KSHMR (“Secrets”) and David Guetta & Showtek (“BAD”) have sold millions of copies.
The Queens: Jujubee (an alum of hit Logo reality TV competition “RuPaul’s Drag Race”) performs with the Chasers Drag Review on Saturday, while Adore Delano and Shangela are among Sunday’s post-parade performers. Jujubee will also appear at Chaser’s (3217 The Plaza) at 10 p.m. Saturday for an after-party.
The Christian rocker: In May, Trey Pearson – who has had numerous No. 1 singles on the Christian charts with his band Everyday Sunday – revealed to fans that he’s gay. His admission sent the conservative Christian community into a tailspin and drew national media coverage. He performs Saturday at 2:45 p.m.
The Parade: The Bank of America Charlotte Pride Parade, set for 1 p.m. Sunday, captures the festival’s spirit and the diversity of the LGBTQ community. This year’s parade begins at Ninth and Tryon streets, marches along Tryon to Trade and ends at Independence Square. www.charlottepride.org.
Elsewhere
Open Occupancy: Local visual artists respond to House Bill 2 with temporary art installations in public restrooms at the McColl Center for Art + Innovation (721 N. Tryon St.) throughout the weekend. Participating McColl alumni include D’Angelo Dia, Raymond Grubb, John W. Love, Tom Thoune, Andrea Vail, Jason Watson and Rosalie Torres Weiner. Details and hours: www.mccollcenter.org.
Rocky Horror: Gender Bender Night: Before there was RuPaul, there was Dr. Frankenfurter. That Type performs the cult classic with a surprising (although maybe not during Pride) twist at 10:30 p.m. Friday at AMC Concord Mills 24 (8421 Concord Mills). $8.50. www.charlottepride.org.
GenderFusion: Not satisfied to sit in the crowd? Belt your heart out at Petra’s Piano Bar & Cabaret (1919 Commonwealth Ave.) Saturday. Karaoke begins at 8:30 p.m. and is followed by a variety show at 11 p.m. Proceeds from the event benefit Transcend Charlotte. $10-$15. www.petraspianobar.com.
The Aftermath: Queens converge on the Visulite Theatre (1615 Elizabeth Ave.) at 10 p.m. Saturday. The lineup includes “America’s Got Talent” alum and funny girl Delighted Tobehere, Dixie Crystals, Amazonian songstress Malachi and local drag favorite Bethann Phethamine. $20-$30. www.visulite.com.
This story was originally published August 17, 2016 at 1:53 PM with the headline "Where Pride brings the fun, uptown and elsewhere."