Entertainment

2012 Entertainment Bids

Pride Charlotte is now accepting submissions for entertainment at our 2012 festival, expanding to two days in Uptown Charlotte, Aug. 25-26. Submit your electronic press kits (EPKs) via SonicBids.

 

Pride Charlotte 2011 Entertainment

In 2011, Pride Charlotte presented our most diverse slate of performers and entertainers to date, from drag to soul and hip-hop to indie and folk.

Learn more: Click here to see our festival map and event details…

 

Jessica Wild

A Puerto Rico native, Jessica Wild began her drag career at local San Juan gay venues such as Krash and Starz. Wild appeared as a cast member in the second season of Logo’s popular “RuPaul’s Drag Race” in 2010. Wild has also appeared on the popular Puerto Rican televsion program, “Objetivo Fama,” and has made appearances on “No te Duermas” and other local programs and specials. Wild has also appeared in a music video for the popular reggaeton band, Calle 13. This year, Wild, in conjunction with DJ Ranny, released her first dance single, “You Like it Wild.” Wild resides in Boston where she continues to perform at gay venues both locally and across the U.S. When not performing, Wild works as a professional make-up artist. (jessicawildshows.com)

 

Adam Tyler

Missouri native Adam Tyler’s debut album “Shattered Ice” is a glorious definition of what pop music truly is all about today. The album brings together a community of vibrant and diverse pop loving fans from around the globe who understand that pop will never be passé and will always remain a provocative and emotive genre as a true sign of the times. The time truly is now for the world to be formally introduced the exciting new pop star that is Adam Tyler. Adam Tyler’s new single “I Won’t Let You Go” is out now. (www.reverbnation.com/adamtyler)

 

Eyes of the Elders

Emcees Bearcat and Ricky Radar have offered different versions of Eyes of the Elders (EOE) since the group first started in 2004, but its latest incarnation, backed by drummer Jacob Gresham, guitarist and vocalist Boss Jones and bassist Jason Pentecost has remained intact since 2008. EOE has performed at festivals such as Scribble jam, Invisible Children, Off the Grid and Conscious Vibes. Amps 11 Magazine described them as “some of the dopest hip hop in the southeast,” and Mike Cooper II of “BallerStatus” and “The Hiphop Caucas” fame said that EOE is “the sort of hip hop that you’d think the klingons would be bumping in a future century. . . a noise far ahead of it’s time.” Eyes of the Elders have supported acts such as KRS 1, Three Days Grace, Warren G., Mr.Dibbs and Sole. Able to both move a crowd’s feet and their mind, EOE remains an underground force that is gaining momentum by the day. (eyesoftheelders.net)

 

Richard Cortez

Since founding Wollenberg Records in the fall of 2004, Richard Cortez has been taking the queer music scene by the balls and paving the way for a new anti-folk generation one busted guitar string at at time. Known mostly for his infamous first single, “Craving Something Beautiful,” (or, “the ‘smoking pot and watching cartoons’ song”), which appeared on Cortez’s first full-length studio album, it was clear from the get-go that Richard Cortez was not your average recording artist. The record, appropriately entitled Craving Something Beautiful, started appearing for sale online and in small gay retail shops in the summer of 2005, and has become somewhat of a gay folk cult classic. Lyrically raw and uncensored, the album showcases the voice of a heartbroken but determined cortez striving to find meaning in the crowded streets of new york city as he leaves the only love hes ever known. From its catchy title track to the intricate string arrangements written by Cortez himself, Craving Something Beautiful was a major success and helped put both Richard Cortez and Wollenberg Records on the map. (wollenbergrecords.com)

 

Ryan Cassata

“Ryan Cassata – a senior at Bay Shore High School – is a seasoned performer who has toured the country, appeared on television, written for film, and done dozens of other amazing things as an advocate of equal rights who speaks publicly (and courageously) about transgender issues. When Ryan belts out a song, every note is infused with bravery and conviction.” — LI Pulse Magazine, June 2, 2011

Ryan Cassata, is a teenage singer-songwriter from Long Island, N.Y. Ryan plays guitar, piano, harmonica, and vocals. At the young age of 14, Ryan began to gig across Long Island. Three years later he has made over 175 performances and has already completed a Florida tour, and two New England tours, titled “The Love Around The World Tour.”  Ryan Cassata writes very passionate lyrics. His words are very positive and inspirational to this generation of people. Ryan Cassata hopes to spread this positivity across the country, and around the world, in hopes to make people smile and catch on to kindness. Ryan Cassata is doing much more than the average teen. He demands change, he demands revolution, and… he demands PEACE. (ryancassatamusic.com)

 

Eryn Woods

Recently featured on MTV’s The Jersey Shore,VH1’s Beverly Hills Fabulous and VH1’s Mob Wives. Eryn Woods is a 21 year old Louisiana native out to redefine the image of the “pop princess.” The black swan of the bubble gum world, Eryn has been touring the nation and rallying her “kupcake” army in an effort to change the status quo. “Everything isn’t glitter and glam, even with all the fame,” notes Woods. “It’s about finding yourself and maturing, and owning the blood, sweat, and tears, it takes to get there.”

Eryn’s career gained momentum in 2005 after reaching the semi-finals of Gospel Dream, a nationally televised solo vocal competition, where she caught the eye of Grammy nominated singer Kelly Price. Her musical pedigree includes five years of vocal training and over 12 years of combined musical study. Eryn has shared the stage with the likes of Robyn, Hey Monday, and The Ready Set. A favorite among many, she has also performed at major Pride festivals across the country. (www.erynwoodsmusic.com)

 

Shara

“The essence & beauty of love is infused in my music, my music will always touch the heart and soul timelessly” explains vocal powerhouse Shara. This New York native is destined for greatness. Under the mentorship of Andrea Martin who has written mega platinum hits such as Envogue’s “Don’t Let Go” Monica’s “Before You Walk Out Of My Life” and Leona Lewis’s “Better In Time” this stunning songbird wants to inspire a classic emotion that when touched, embraces her listener’s every sensation. Commanding attention in the pop soul genre, Shara’s music delivers a fusion of her influences from Pop, Soul, Jazz and R&B. Her melody driven artwork contains lyrics that inspires, uplifts and life educates her fans. With her smash singles “Jeykll & Hyde”, I Will Carry You” and, “Not Gonna Miss You”, Shara is allowing fans to witness a future megastar in the making. (www.sharastrand.com)

 

Nubia SoulGoddess

Nubia has music pouring through her veins. Her instrumental skills stem from her father and singing from her mother. Nubia went from classical music to gospel by singing in her church choir and a community choir (Spiritual Harmony) for 10 years. During that time she was also playing marching percussion as well as concert percussion. Now a Neo-Soul artist, Nubia spreads her wings wide by putting all genres, talents and ideas into music. With the outstanding ability to write, arrange, sing, play and produce. She is a force to be reckoned with. Nubia released her first album entitled THE EMERGENCE summer of 2009. Now working on her next album entitled THE PRESENCE, she stretching her horizons with her alter ego G.S. (reverbnation.com/mysteryous9)

 

Snagglepuss

Snagglepuss formed in the Queen City during the summer of ’99 from a list of regional/national acts including: Fetchin Bones, Sugarsmack, Come On Thunderchild, New Jack Rubies, Psycho Killer and Smithwick Machine. The Snags three Don Dixon-produced discs, The Country Club Sessions (2001), Parading About in the Altogether (2003) and The Sound Report (2007), capture their horn-fueled, new wave rock party attitude. Snagglepuss is: Hope Nicholls, vocals and saxophone; Scott Weaver, vocals and trumpet; Michael Anderson, saxophone; Amy Kennemore, guitar; Darrin Gray, bass; Aaron Pitkin, drums; John Morris, keyboards, vocals; Travis Laughlin, bass. (snagtownusa.com)

 

Kabarett Vulgare

Kabarett Vulgare is a bastardization of Weimar Era cabaret and the American Sideshow tradition, performed by a collective of artists from all different mediums and backrounds. Our goal is to provide an outlet for artists to “think outside the box,” and to engage the audience and challenge their perspective of what they consider bizzarre and taboo. (facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000898122349)

 

Ashley Jo Farmer Band

Ashley Jo Farmer is a singer/songwriter rooted in the heart of North Carolina. She is also a heterosexual ally to the LGBTQ Community, and an active supporter of marriage equality and gay rights. Inspired by her strong connections to the LGBTQ Community, she wrote a song about marriage equality and performs it at all of her concerts to help promote a change in the United State’s current legislation regarding same-sex couples and their rights. She also wrote a song called “better” – her contribution to Dan Savage’s “It Gets Better Project” – which she hopes will reach the youth of today that are facing harassment because of who they are. Ashley Jo has brought together a stellar group of musicians with diverse musical backgrounds to perform her original music and a few favorite rockin’ chick cover songs. They are known as the “Ashley Jo Farmer Band” and are ready to perform all over the country. Her husband Tommy is on electric bass, Alan Grossman is on acoustic guitar, Wesley Copeland is on the mandolin, and Louis Bodak brings everything together with the drums. (www.facebook.com/ashleyjofarmer)

 

Marvetta

Her name is Marvetta. This singer/songwriter is creative, original and so passionate about her music and her life. Through her music, she speaks of her hopes, dreams and struggles. She invites the listener to take a musical adventure with her. Marvetta grew up in the small town of Bluefield, WV, home of the legendary Stylistics. Bored with her life and eager to share her voice with the world, she made a wish that would change her life. One day, she looked up at a perfect, night sky and simply asked for what she wanted. Now there is nothing stopping Marvetta. She is on a quest to make all her musical dreams come true. Marvetta’s first album is entitled The Beginning of Me. It is available on iTunes. Her hot new dance single “Stalk U” is also available on iTunes. (marvetta.com)