Sarasota Pride 2014

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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18 | 12-6 P.M | J.D. HAMEL PARK

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SARASOTA PRIDE 2014 SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18 • 12-6PM

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CONTENTS Letter from Sarasota Pride Chair ............... 07 An interview with Dario ................. 09 Pride Fest entertainment lineup ........................ 14

That all persons live their lives with dignity, honesty, and pride, regardless of their real or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity.

Providing youth services for over 22 years SARASOTA PRIDE 2014 PROGRAM PUBLISHED BY

watermark media

WATERMARK MEDIA, INC. AND SARASOTA PRIDE

PUBLISHER: Rick

Claggett EDITOR: Steve Blanchard ART DIRECTOR:

Jake Stevens CREATIVE ASSISTANT:

Patrick O’Connor ADVERTISING SALES DIRECTOR: Mark Cady ADVERTISING SALES:

Bill Jeffries, Sam Rennels, Heather Crouso, Danny Garcia Contents of this Sarasota Pride 2014 Program are protected by federal copyright law and may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the permission of the publishers. Publication of the name or photograph of any person or organization in articles, advertising, or listing is not to be construed as any indication of the sexual orientation of such persons or members or organizations. Opinions expressed in articles generated

by Watermark do not necessarily reflect the views of the Sarasota Pride Organizing Committee. Watermark and the Sarasota Pride Organizing Committee cannot accept responsibility for claims made by advertisers. © Watermark Media, Inc., est. 1994 Phone – 813-655-9890 Fax – 813-849-2986 Publisher@WatermarkOnline.com WatermarkOnline.com

Youth drop-in Center . Support Groups Community Outreach . Alternative Prom Creative Arts . Media & Literacy Programs HIV & STI Education/Testing . Sensitivity Training . Anti-Bullying Presentations

CHAIR:

Cindy Barnes DIRECTORS:

For more information please visit:

Glo Hoeft, Mary Connelly, Susan Turner Pringle, Marcia Burns and Jackie Keenan

www.AlsoYouth.org

Sarasota Pride is a non-profit corporation organized exclusively for charitable, scientific, literary and educational purposes, as a tax exempt entity under Statute 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended, and in accordance with Florida Statutes.

Sarasota Pride, Inc. is a non-profit organization located in Sarasota, Florida. Our mission is to promote the elimination of prejudice and discrimination, the defense of human and civil rights secured by law, along with visibility and self-esteem among gay men, lesbians, bisexuals and transgendered persons and to promote a positive image in the Sarasota area and throughout Florida through community activities and services.

or call

941-951-2576

© Sarasota Pride, Inc. P.O. Box 51032 Sarasota, FL 34232 941-320-9268

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1712 Northgate Boulevard Sarasota, Florida 34234, USA Tel: 1.941.359.6678 www.redi2drinqgroup.com email: cmurray@redi2drinqgroup.com

Show your

True Colors S A R A S O TA P R I D E C E L E B R AT E S 2 5 Y E A R S

I

t is my honor to officially welcome you to Sarasota Pride’s 25th Anniversary of Pride Fest. Our theme for 2014 is “True Colors.”

We have come a long way from the Friends and Family Pride Day on the campus of The Church of the Trinity Metropolitan Community Church in 1989 to Main Street in downtown Sarasota in 2014.

“True Colors” is our theme this year because, while our �ight for equality continues, it is important to keep the rainbow �lags �lying high. Our allies and supporters have also shown their “True Colors” by displaying the rainbow colors, the marriage equality logo and Equality Florida bumper stickers. We are fortunate to live in the Sarasota area where both

the city and county commissions support equality for all.

Putting a Pride Fest together takes an extraordinary amount of time and commitment. I would like to thank the Board of Sarasota Pride, all the sponsors and vendors who continue to support Pride and as always, our volunteers.

Without volunteers no events could ever happen. We have been very blessed to have so many who step up to help make the event so successful.

Most of all, it is your attendance that makes Pride a success. We promise you a day of great music, food and fun. Bring your friends and family and enjoy.

YOURS IN PRIDE,

Cindy Barnes

Chairman, Sarasota Pride, Inc.

Thank you to our sponsors!

Tropicana

PPI Technologies— Chilling Rocks Water Sarasota Ford MACY’S Equality Florida

Abrahamson & Uiterwyk

LunchBox—A Waxing Salon Joe Cool Air Janet Buley— Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC

East West College of Natural Medicine

Embracing Our Differences

Wells Fargo Bank

Shapiro, Goldman, Babboni & Walsh—Get Me Justice

The Yankwitt Group at Merrill Lynch US Trust

Randell’s Travel

Watermark Media Rainbow 411/ GHS Radio.com AYP ProSuzy METVManatee County Educational TV

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Free Arcade Admission! offer valid only one per customer Must provide valid PRIDE 2014 ticket Offer expire 10.31.2014

SARASOTA PRIDE 2014 SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18 • 12-6PM

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2014-2015 SEASON

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TWENTY AMAZING YEARS!

The ‘Evolution’ of

Dario

INDEPENDENT, OUT RECORDING ARTIST DARIO HAS A SPECIAL PLACE IN HIS HEART FOR PRIDE

J

BY STEVE BLANCHARD

ust five months after releasing his sixth album, out and independent recording artist Dario is headed to Sarasota Pride. His career has spanned the country, landed him a sleeper-hit reality show and led to opening gigs for Destiny’s Child.

Today he’s focused on promoting his latest album, Evolution, and the LGBT community. Dario took time during his busy tour to talk to us about his career, his music and what we can expect when he takes the stage at Sarasota Pride Oct. 18.

What was your first experience with a Pride event?

DARIO: My �irst Pride performance

was in my hometown, Tucson, Ariz. I was the headliner that year, it was amazing. I’ve actually never gotten the chance to go to Pride as a patron—I’ve only gone as a performer, so I’ve haven’t seen or experienced all it has to offer yet. But as a performer I love it!

Everyone is so happy and supportive, CONTINUED ON PG. 12 |  |

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Gulfport Florida

Shop, Dine, Stay & Play by the Bay Clearwater Blvd

Gulf to Bay

Gulf

“In Gulfport, diverse walks of life just co-exist quite well. People really get involved in the community.

I guess that’s why we love it. We can’t think of anywhere else we would want to be.”

Gail and Pauline

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“Being outdoors in Gulfport, with the majestic oaks, the natural beach and waterway access puts us on every ‘must see’ list.”

Kurt

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Treasure Island

Central Ave. 22nd Ave South

Tampa Bay

Gulfport St. Pete Beach Skyway Bridge

“There’s a wonderful level of acceptance in Gulfport that made me really fall in love with this town. And there’s a calming energy here too that is truly rare. Maybe those two are intertwined. Add to that fabulous events like Art Walks, the weekly Fresh Market and Gecko Fest, the fantastic restaurants, the accessibility. What’s not to adore?”

Faun “We love playing Gulfport! This is such a close-knit community that it really doesn’t matter whether you’re gay or straight. Everyone from A to Z comes together, supports each other, and has fun together. We love it here. Come out and hear us play during Art Walk!”

Mario and Mike (Double M Band) “I love that Gulfport is an old Florida seaside village. What I find special about our town is the community. Many of the folks I love are within walking distance of my front door. It’s the day to day hellos where people know you by name, the incredible events, and the sheer diversity of all the people who live here & love this town… That’s what really makes Gulfport special.”

Victoria

Come Visit Us and Be Yourself! www.GulfportMA.com

Celebrating Diversity through the Arts

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and always ready to party!

not easy for me to smile at a time like that.

Then I’m suddenly a jerk or diva in the next day’s blogs, but they have no idea what’s going on in my life. It can be dif�icult, emotionally, to deal with that side of fame.

As an out performer, what is it like performing at Pride festivals with your community cheering you on?

Performing at Pride is extra special because the LGBT community was the �irst community to embrace my music—if it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t have a career, so performing for them is extra special.

Can you describe what your set will be like at Sarasota Pride?

I have dancers that travel with me to every show, and on one of my songs I have a bit of audience participation where I bring someone up and give them a little something special— but you’ll have to come to the show to see what it is. The entire show is very high energy!

|  | Dario FROM PG.9

Are you single? Partnered? Looking?

Are you kidding me? (Laughs) With the album, the tour and all the appearances I’m scheduled to do for the next year and a half, I barely have time to sleep. I think it’s really important in a relationship to give someone your undivided attention; hopefully one day soon I’ll have the time to really commit to somebody like that.

What advice do you have for up and coming LGBT artists?

As cliché as it sounds … Don’t Ever Give Up! Almost everyone, from the entertainment

I think it’s always hard to gain recognition.

There are so many artists out there now, the industry is completely saturated. As long as you stay true to your artistry and you always bring your A-game when it comes to releasing an album or going on tour, the fans will be there (and they are really the best part). And where the fans go, the industry follows.

What do Pride festivals-and Pride in general-mean to you, and is Pride still relevant?

Pride to me is self-explanatory: having pride in your beliefs, in who you are and what

“Pride to me is self-explanatory: having pride in your beliefs, in who you are and what you stand for.” —DARIO industry to the corporations and �inancial backers that build a pop star, is going to tell you what you should and shouldn’t do. They are going to try and make you sing, wear and say things that are not you and will never represent who you are. Stick to your guns and don’t compromise yourself or your artistic integrity for anyone or anything, especially money. The only way you are going to be happy is if you are you to the fullest extent.

People aren’t stupid—they will see right through you if you are dishonest.

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How has fame impacted you? Is it difficult gaining recognition?

It hasn’t had a negative effect on me … yet.

I think the only time it’s hard is when something bad happens in my personal life, like a death in the family, and I have to go out with cameras on me from every angle; it’s

you stand for. It’s being proud of what we’ve accomplished as a community and showing our solidarity. To have a day where we are all able to celebrate the strength and power we have and how far we’ve come is just the icing on the cake. So I absolutely think Pride festivals are still relevant. As long as there is hate, and as long as we have something to �ight for, there will be Pride.

Where would you like to see your career in, say, 5 years from now?

Hopefully, I will still be doing this. I love this job and I love my fans. I worked so hard to get people to take me seriously, and I’ve accomplished so much thanks to the people who believe in me. I’m grateful every day that I get to be creative for a living, and I am here to stay!

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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18 • 12-6PM

SARASOTA PRIDE 2014

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Pride &

Entertainment SA RA S OTA P R ID E’ S S TAG E S TAYS B US Y FROM B EG INN ING T O E N D

A

s the Sarasota Pride festival grows each year, so does the entertainment lineup—and 2014 is no exception.

Throughout the entire duration of the festival—noon to 6 p.m.— expect to see and hear some amazing talent on the stage. The lineup is listed below and each

act will appear on the main stage in the center of JD Hamel Park.

As always, however, the lineup is subject to change.

Noon

2:20 p.m.

p.m. KARMIC TATTOO DIVERSITY, 12:30-1:45 THE VOICES DRAGTASTICS OF SARASOTA

This group of performers incorporates the entire LGBT community and performs special concerts around the year. Sticking with tradition, the talented group will perform some of its favorite songs to kick-off Sarasota Pride in style.

12:20 p.m.

THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW The cast of Venice Theatre’s Rocky Horror Show will get you in the Halloween party spirit with a few selections from the classic play.

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Drag returns to Sarasota Pride this year with local icon Lindsay Carlton leading the cast of fabulous entertainers to the stage. Several local performers are expected to showcase their talents for more than an hour! Drag is back!

2 p.m.

OPENING CEREMONIES Join dignitaries of the City of Sarasota as they read the official proclamation declaring Oct. 18 “United in Pride Day.”

This popular all-girl group has legions of dedicated fans and have become a staple at Pride events throughout Tampa Bay. Catch their up-tempo set to keep the afternoon energized.

4 p.m.

DARIO

International recording star and American Idol alum Dario is this year’s headliner and is the biggest act Sarasota Pride has had in several years.

5 p.m.

WAKING GIANTS As with tradition, Waking Giants will close Sarasota Pride with their rock ‘n’ roll sounds and upbeat dance music to keep the crowd partying until it’s time to pack up.

NOV. 23, 2014 @ 7 PM

VAN WEZEL PERFORMING ARTS HALL

BOX OFFICE: Mon-Fri 10 am-6 pm; Sat 10 am-4 pm Open later & Sunday on show dates

Each ticket purchased online receives a digital download of Melissa’s newest album, This is M.E., out September 30!

You will receive the album at the email address you provide when you purchase your tickets online.

PATRON ADVISORY: Those seated in the designated “Splatter Zone” seat locations (First 4 rows) will be splashed by stage “blood” and become increasingly wet over the course of the performance.

941.953.3368 vanwezel.org

MATTISON’S BAYSIDE AT THE VAN WEZEL Dine in the Grand Foyer before the show 941.921.3400 Performers, prices, dates and times are subject to change without notice.

Part of the AT&T Star Series & The Herald-Tribune Media Group’s Cultural Series

VANESSA WILLIAMS

photo credit Gilles Toucas

Part of the AT&T Star Series

BOX OFFICE: Mon-Fri 10 am - 6 pm; Sat 10 am - 4 pm Open later & Sunday on show dates 941.953.3368 VanWezel.org Mattison's Bayside At The Van Wezel

Dine in the Grand Foyer before the show 941.921.3400 Performers, prices, dates and times are subject to change without notice.

FOR MATURE AUDIENCES ONLY. DISCRETION ADVISED FOR CHILDREN 13 AND YOUNGER DUE TO ADULT LANGUAGE AND ADULT CONTENT

Part of the Herald Tribune Media Group’s Cultural Series

JAN. 2, 2015 @ 8 PM

VAN WEZEL PERFORMING ARTS HALL

BOX OFFICE: Mon-Fri 10 am - 6 pm; Sat 10 am - 4 pm Open later & Sunday on show dates 941.953.3368 VanWezel.org Mattison’s Bayside At The Van Wezel Dine in the Grand Foyer before the show 941.921.3400

Performers, prices, dates and times are subject to change without notice.