Quest Magazine Volume 17 Issue 3
PrideFest Cover Feature

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Thinking outside of the box this year, PrideFest organizers have gone in a different direction when booking their 2010 headliners. The move is guaranteed to fill the Miller Lite Mainstage with laughter, as comedy fills the air both opening and closing nights. Nestled in between the two comedic acts is a stellar diva with a new attitude.

Organizers of PrideFest Milwaukee recently announced that Kathy Griffin, Patti LaBelle and Joan Rivers are all coming to PrideFest June 11, 12 and 13 respectively. For the first time in years, comedy will take the lead in the festival's headline entertainment. No matter what your reaction to the change of routine, it will prove for an interesting and funny weekend.

"For the past few years, we have had musical performers take center stage during our headline shows, with maybe one comedian and two musical acts," said PrideFest President Scott Gunkel. "This year, we have comedians in the majority. Next year it may be a focus on another genre of entertainment. Whichever way, it is always a full schedule, the entire weekend. "

For those who have never attended Milwaukee's PrideFest celebration, one thing to understand is that it isn't all about the music, or the dance. Education, advocacy, health awareness, commitment ceremonies, youth support, children's play area, - you name it - all weekend long, when you enter the gates, you walk into an opportunity to learn more about the GLBT community and it's history.

While most of the focus undoubtedly swirls around the major headline acts, festival-goers are treated to a weekend jam-packed with musical acts, theatre, dance, and various performances. The Summerfest grounds, where PrideFest has called home for the last 14 years, can certainly accommodate the diverse entertainment. With several permanent stages on the grounds, entertainment director David Charpentier has his hands full. Every year, Charpentier has to comb through tour lists for artists who might be available during PrideFest's weekend to perform on the grounds.

"A lot of things come into play when booking artists," says Charpentier. "Is the artist even available during Pride? Is the asking price just right? Are they a good fit for PrideFest? Are they supportive of our community? There is a lot to consider." This year's lineup includes artists and bands from all over the world. Some travelling from as far away as Russia, Germany and Australia.

"We've got country artists, punk rock bands, transgender artists, a glee club, spoken word artists, theatre, burlesque...something for everyone!" says Charpentier.

Opening the 2010 festival weekend will be the hilarious Kathy Griffin. The comedian, who had a huge audience at PrideFest 2007, welcomed the idea of returning. In fact, Griffin's great experience at the festival three years ago motivated her to make PrideFest her exclusive Spring tour stop in the Midwest. The comedian's internationally recognized website and Facebook page even boasted her intention to create the largest audience ever during her upcoming June 11 appearance. The last time she was in the area (October 2009) she sold out a record 4 nights at the Chicago Theatre.

"We couldn't believe it," said Kate Sherry, PrideFest Communications Director. "We were already so excited that she was coming back, and to receive all of this extra attention from her camp is amazing. It couldn't be better."

Saturday's headline entertainment act is the legendary Patti LaBelle. Quest has no doubt that this announcement was followed by at least 90 percent of the GLBT community belting out "Lady Marmalade" across the U.S. LaBelle is bringing her powerful yet angelic voice to the stage along with the countless classics that have become theme-songs for gays and straights alike. Her soulful selections and spirit will be a welcomed addition to PrideFest 2010. With having sold over 50 million records worldwide, LaBelle is one of the largest headliner's in PrideFest's history.

"I still have so much more to do, so many other things to try," LaBelle said. "I have a lot of blessings, a lot to be thankful for...but I'm always excited about what else there is for me to do."

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Ensuring PrideFest patrons leave the festival in tears...from LAUGHING, is closing headliner and funny fashionista Joan Rivers. Accolades and roles stretch far beyond comedy from host to writer to designer. But it's her funny commentary on celebrity gossip and dress that patrons can look forward to. Rivers has often said most of her fan support has come from the GLBT community. Back in the earliest years of the AIDS epidemic, Rivers was one of the first major celebrities raising awareness for AIDS research, and to this day, Rivers continues to be outspoken for GLBT rights.

" They were my first audience," Rivers has said about her GLBT fans. "They were the first ones to get it. Whatever "it" was. And they've still been there for me. They've been there for the ups, there for the downs. They've been there for everything.

PrideFest takes place on the Maier Festival Grounds June 11, 12 and 13. Ticketing, schedules and more will be available online at www.pridefest.com, as well as in the upcoming festival publication the Pride Guide, published by Quest.

Quest is proud to be chosen for the fourth consecutive year as the official publisher of the Pride Guide. For more information, or to place an ad, please write editor@quest-online.com, or visit pridefest.com for a downloadable ad rate/size chart.