Cleveland Pride

2013 Justin Rancher

Just when you thought you couldn’t get enough! Back by popular demand from our festival attendees in 2011, the crowds are looking forward to the Cleveland Pride Zumba team.

For the last several years, Zumba was schedule to occur on the grassy portion of the Main (Triangle) Stage. It also helped the production and stage teams convert over the platform to backline musicians. However…

Zumba caught on! Led by Kim Hunyor and Justin Rancher, the two of them pulled over 40+ viewers from the grass and just started dancing. Exercising by definition! But the crowd want’s more.

“With all of the excitement on discussion about headliners and other entertainment aspects, our overwhelming question is whether or not Justin will be returning again this year” explained Todd J. Saporito, Cleveland Pride Board President/CEO. “Justin and his friends have turned their passion for Zumba into a positive cult phenomenon for Cleveland Pride.”

Cleveland Pride’s Zumba routine is schedule to follow each year following rally announcements, to occur on the grassy portion of the Main (Triangle) Stage. It also helped the production and stage teams convert over the platform to backline musicians.

ABOUT ZUMBA

The Zumba is a fitness-party with a contagious blend of Latin and international rhythms that provides a fun and effective workout to a global community, either at home or in the gym.

Celebrity fitness trainer, “Beto” Perez, stumbled upon the concept of Latin inspired fitness in his native country of Colombia (South America) in the mid 1990′s. One day, he walked into his class and realized that he had forgotten his aerobics music, and his only option was to grab whatever tapes he had in his car. Beto’s tapes were comprised of the songs that he loved, the traditional Latin salsa and merengue music with which he had been raised.

But it was a challenge to improvise a whole class on the spot using non-traditional aerobics music. Beto rose to the challenge and from this last-minute improvisation was born a revolutionary fitness program -Zumba®! The class soon became the most popular class at his fitness facility. Although there are many more dance variations and steps to Zumba®, below you will find the basic Zumba® dance steps we enjoy in class. I have also included a history of each step. Enjoy!

2013 Justin Rancher Zumba 2b

>Merengue – The Dominican Republic is usually credited as the origin of Merengue although Haiti and Santo Domingo fall in that category as well. It is faster pace rhythm. Common instruments are congo drums, accordion, and guiro. The most common move for the Merengue is the “basic march”.

>Salsa - Salsa is a blend of many Carribean cultures and strongly influenced by Cuba, but made popular in New York and Florida as it is known today. Salsa had a very distinct beat and is usually a faster tempo.

>Cumbia - The Cumbia is known as a rhythm from Columbia, South America, but holds influences from Africa and Europe. Cumbia is often associated with a tropical or creole flavor to the music.

>Reggaeton - Reggaeton has Jamaican influences and was made popular in Puerto Rico and Panama. The music contains a heavy bass drum beat, with a primary instrument being a Reggae style drum. The most common move is the “ZUMBA hit” otherwise known as “crumping”.

>Flamenco - Currently known as the rhythm from Andalusia in southern Spain with influences from Gypsy, Muslim and Jewish cultures. Flamenco is known fo the sounds of handclapping, finger snapping, tongue clicking, knuckle gashing, etc… In ZUMBA, some of the moves are related to the “picking of the grapes” for wine production. Much attitude is projected in the upper body movements.

>Samba - Samba originates in Brazil. Samba is known for its sexy hip moving moves.It was and is danced as a festival dance during the street festivals and celebrations. First introduced in the U.S. in a Broadway play called “Street Carnival” in the late twenties. The festive style and mood of the dance has kept it alive and popular to this day. Samba is a fun dance that fits most of today’s popular music.

2013 Columbus Superheros Party

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Email:  dgregory@ymail.com

2013 Winslow

Winslow

Bursting through generation barriers and worn out trends, Winslow’s music is timeless. Out of Cleveland’s hard rock/metal dominated music scene, Winslow’s award winning sound has gained the band praise, loyal growing fan base, and the reputation of one of the Midwest’s rising musical acts.

Winslow’s unique blend of soul, funk, rock and jazz has been described by many members of the press and fans alike as a musical breath of fresh air. This sound, combined with the 6-piece outfit’s polished and passionate stage show has led them to sharing the stage with such major acts as Incubus, Earth Wind & Fire, OAR, Robert Randolph, Keane, Mat Kearney, Rusted Root, and many more.

Winslow’s heavily awaited sophomore album is the culmination of 4 years of growth and changes. With 3 new members and a new recording contract with Little Fish Records, Winslow has brought in the assistance of Grammy Award Winning producer Edwin “Tony” Nicholas(Gerald Levert, Barry White, Mary J Blige) and Grammy Nominated engineer Nick Chahwala(Katy Perry, Mariah Carey, Gym Class Heroes). The band also brought in Cleveland reggae legend Carlos Jones for a guest spot on their single, “Nothin’s Easy”.

“We have grown a lot since our first album. I feel like our songwriting really has come a long way. We aren’t trying to fit into a mold of a certain genre or style. Our real goal was to create an album that we could be proud of. Call it pop. Call it soul. As long as people listen, they can call it what they will.”

For more information about Winslow, got to: www.winslowsoul.com; www.twitter.com/winslowsoul; www.facebook.com/winslowsoul; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gBaFT7yCUOw

2013 Ryan Amador

Ryan Amador

Ryan Amador is an alternative pop artist based in Brooklyn, NY. ​Ryan Amador is an alternative pop artist based in Brooklyn, NY.

​​​​Ryan started life in a suburb of Los Angeles called “Palos Verdes,” writing original songs on the piano at only 9 years old. In 2011, after 12 years of songwriting, he collaborated with music producer Justin Goldner and singer/songwriter Shaina Taub to release his first EP, “Symptoms of a Wide Eyed Being.” The album was re-released in 2012 alongside a short collection of older songs, “Palos Verdes: A Teenage Retrospective,” produced by David Baloche.

​His interest in human rights led to the release of his most recent single, “Define Me,” a duet with accomplished singer Jo Lampert of AVAN LAVA. The song is an LGBT anthem proposing a removal of labels that divide us. Jo and Ryan have performed the song at the True Colors LGBT Youth Conference on March 22 & St. John The Divine for the first ever Spirit of Pride: Queer First curated by The Trevor Project. The video for the song was exclusively released on TheBacklot.com on April 17, 2013, then featured in the Huffington Post which can be viewed at this link.

On June 28th, 2013, Ryan will release his first full length album, “Ryan Amador”. The album features eleven new songs, including “Define Me” and live hits, “Instead” & “Skylark”. Ryan’s music is a blend of catchy pop/R&B with a raw, emotional sensibility similar to folk. Ryan was recently featured in the ASCAP EXPO’s Singer/Songwriter Showcase on April 19th.

For more information about Ryan Amador: http://www.ryanamador.com/; http://www.youtube.com/ryanamadormusic/; https://www.facebook.com/ryanamador; https://twitter.com/ryanamadormusic/

2013 Diana Chittester

Diana Chittester

“Cleveland Pride has been fortunate to focus our attention on local artists rising quickly in the entertainment scene,” share Todd J. Saporito, Cleveland Pride Board President/CEO. “Diana first performed at Cleveland Pride in 2009. Since then, we have watched her blossom into a a professional singer that is also a community activist. It’s a pleasure to have her join us during our 25th Silver Anniversary celebration.”

Diana Chittester is “An intelligent and articulate artist” raves Music Connections Magazine regarding her full length album In this Skin. Imitating a four-piece band with a single acoustic guitar, Diana’s percussive attack incorporates driving bass lines while pounding out explosive rhythms and attention grabbing leads. Her unique blend of swiftfinger-picking and intricate strumming techniques combined with an array of alternate and open tunings gives Diana’s guitar a voice of its own. She accompanies her powerful instrument with an intelligent lyrical approach filled with poetic wordplay and metaphors. Not afraid to address topics taboo to society, Diana’s lyrical content examines desired and undesired sexual encounters, the politics of religion and the paternal influences over a young woman. Diana’s music has been compared to the percussive styles of Ani Difranco and Tommy Emmanuel with the lyrical edge of Alanis Morissette and Tom Waits.

“I moved to Cleveland 5 years ago because of its gay community and when I came out as a lesbian the community embraced me and has been a wonderful support system since. I love this city and am excited to be a part of Pride’s 25th year anniversary.” – Diana Chittester

Diana has received airplay and interviews on numerous college, public and internet radio stations in the U.S. Hostage, the most forward song questioning her religiously structured background off of In This Skin, was picked up by Australian radio, JOY 94.9. Featured on numerous regional cable music programs including PBS, Indie BOX, Art Quest, Random Acts of Music & local TV news programs, FOX 8 Morning Show – Diana has been recognized by countless press outlets including Friday Magazine of the Cleveland Plain Dealer. “She is a young, energetic and a sassy guitar player, her voice has a raw soulfulness… Diana is someone to keep an eye out for.” (Lakewood Patch).

See more of Diana Chittester at http://dianachittester.com/; https://www.facebook.com/DianaChittester; https://twitter.com/dianachittester; http://dianachittester.bandcamp.com

2013 Robin Stone

Robin Stone

“It’s been a pleasure working with Robin over these past years,”stated Todd J. Saporito. “Robin brings a cutting edge style to our entertainment line-up and appeals to individuals spanning various age groups, even generations. Our festival attendees always enjoy her music.”

WHO IS SHE? They call her Skinny, Funky, White Chocolate! Crooning and soulful, Stone is really a down home goofy, but daring girl, who has her hands in a lot of cookie jars. She is a May 22nd Gemini, so she likes to be Jill of All Trades. She grew up in a typical chaotic, broken, poor, alcoholic home, but studied cello. Strange, we know. She got a lot of material that way. She worked all through grade school and high school to support the home, then worked full time and studied Kinesiology at BG full time where she not only got her B.S., but also got a degree in the gritty, “teach yourself how to play guitar, bass, drums, percussion and sing.” Her mom passed away just two weeks before she graduated. She also used poetry since she was a youngster to cope with hard times, and all of these ingredients inspired her to write songs…

“I am excited to have been asked to return to Pride every year since I began performing there, for being accepted and appreciated by the community whether straight, gay or whatever,” shared Robin Stone.  “Pride is supportive and celebrates art and music and everyone’s talent.  To be a part of the 25th anniversary is a wonderful honor.”

As a native Clevelander, Stone has grown in her grassroots following from grabbing singer/songwriter, to an explosive full band, to record label owner, to producer. She tours non-stop. She released her first self titled EP in 1998. With her next full release, “My Heart” (2001), she made her mark. Her third release, “RushMore” (2003), has caught the media, and in between she released a live record “Live at the Oakland” (sold out). Her fifth record, “Bad Girl” (which is a high energy R&B, Neo-Soul, all smooth, Groove record) has been nationally released and is catching ears now!!!   Her brand new “Robin Stone Live 2010” CD is out June 22!  Yeesh!  She also has a DVD of the most recent Cain Park performance and and a DVD of the LIVE CD available, a Bad Girl video has been released, and a new record “Here and Now” in the works… Busy, busy, busy… Stone’s campaign has made waves across over 1,000 national and international radio stations, charting along the way. CDs are available in stores and on-line now at www.LittleFishRecords.com and ITunes.com.

WHAT DOES SHE SOUND LIKE?  It’s the energy of a female Dave Matthews delivered with the elegance of Natalie Cole. The pulse of Erikah Badu with the eloquence of Joni Mitchell and kick in the ass Jill Scott/John Legend style.  Ingredient sounds for the new record are dashes of Cold Play and Michael Jackson, spoon fulls of Sara Bareillis and Maroon 5, cups of Adelle, John Legend and Jill Scott, and heapings of Stone originality and soulful voice.

Robin is enthusiastic about the event and stated “People can look forward to hearing my brand new band and all brand new music from my upcoming and seventh record.”

See more of Robin Stone at http://www.shelovesyourecords.com; https://www.facebook.com/robinstonemusic; https://twitter.com/robinstone; http://www.youtube.com/robinstonemusic; www.myspace.com/robinstone

Cleveland Pride is honored to recognize three distinct classifications of Grand Marshals for the 2013 25th Silver Anniversary Parade, Rally & Festival, held on Saturday, June 29th.

2013 Martha Pontoni

2013 Andrew Cari

Grand Marshals – 25th Silver Anniversary: At the end of 1988, beginning of 1989, Martha Pontoni and Andrew ‘Drew’ Cari knew that it was time to unite the community under one banner and be visible noticeable.  Martha and Drew brought together, as we now know today, the inaugural Pride Committee which launched Cleveland Pride into the public light.

2013 WARD 16 COUNCILMAN Jay Westbrook

Grand Marshal – Distinguished Public Advocacy : Ward 16 Councilman Jay Westbrook was first sworn in as a Cleveland City Council Member in 1980 and has been re-elected nine times. He also proudly served as President of City Council for 10 years (1990-1999).   Jay Westbrook has been an integral supporter and partner of the LGBT and allied community for decades.  Jay has been at all 24 Parade, Rally and Festivals, lending critical assistance in the launch of the first Pride in 1989.

2013 Matt Heslep

Grand Marshal – Distinguished LGBT and Allied Community Advocacy : Matt Heslep teaches Spanish 1 & 4 and AP Spanish. He holds a BA in International Relations and an MA in Spanish Literature and Linguistics from Miami University. He earned his licensure in Education from the University of Dayton. Before coming to Lakewood in 2004, he taught in the Springfield, Ohio, school district. He is the adviser for the American Youth Foundation club. Matt has demonstrated leadership and support as faculty advisor for Unity, a club that promotes diversity – specifically as it pertains to the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgendered community.

Learn more about our Grand Marshals over the next several weeks leading up to our 25th Silvery Anniversary celebration.

Cleveland Pride’s 4th Annual Youth Towne continues to grow with AIDS Healthcare Foundation, joining the AIDS Funding Collaborative, and founding organizations AIDS Taskforce of Greater Cleveland, LGBT Center of Greater Cleveland and Cleveland Pride.

Cleveland Pride’s Youth Towne continues to expand as in previous years and welcomes AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) to the partnership of AIDS Funding Collaborative (AFC), AIDS Taskforece of Greater Cleveland (ATFGC) and Cleveland Pride.

The inaugural launch of Youth Towne  in 2008, when the Cleveland Pride Board of Directors began reviewing previous years diversity in programming at our annual event, the board felt that it was extremely important to provide a safe space for youth at our festival. We felt that this space needed to be managed by skilled professional and social workers, rather than our general volunteers.

The concept of Cleveland Pride’s Youth Towne evolved to service youth from the ages of 14 to 24 years old.  We reached out to our community partner at the AIDS Taskforce of Greater Cleveland and The LGBT Center of Greater Cleveland for their assistance in finalizing the concept.  The three organizations agreed that we would create an environment staffed by AIDS Taskforce of Greater Cleveland and The LGBT Center of Greater Cleveland’s professional staff.  Additionally, the youth of the Beyond Identity Community Center (BICC – AIDS Taskforce) and Metro Youth Outreach (MYO – The Center) programs would be encouraged to participate in the program.  The benefit would be to have the youth of these very different program services expand their networking to youth of the other program.  The youth of the BICC program would learn more about MYO program services offered by The Center, and youth of the MYO program would learn more about BICC program services offered by the Taskforce.

We have seen a sharp decline in the reduction of grants and funding available to Cleveland non-profits, specifically those impacting the viability of the Metro Youth Outreach program at the Center and the funding for the BICC program at the Taskforce.

Therefore, this year, Cleveland Pride reached out to a new partner, the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, along with the AIDS Funding Collaborative and continued the partnership with the AIDS Taskforce of Greater Cleveland and the LGBT Center of Greater Cleveland to develop an expanded funded program for this years festival.  We have now evolved to the following format:

Youth Towne (YT) is a youth-led, youth-driven sexual health promotion and HIV prevention program targeting lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) youth ages 14-24 in Cuyahoga County and commuters to the 2013Pride festivities from the surrounding tri-state area (Indiana, Michigan and Pennsylvania). YT is housed in a large event tent on the grounds of the Cleveland Pride event and operates as a “Youth Pride” within the larger LGBT Pride event.

Youth Towne will be a multi-functioning space which will provide: 1) oral-based, rapid HIV testing ; 2) food and refreshments for all youth to ensure youth with limited resources access nutrition throughout the day; 3) peer education public speaking opportunities that promote positive youth sexual health and responsibility; 4) youth appropriate entertainment (i.e., DJ, video games, crafts, dance-off, etc.); 5) safer sex kit availability; and, 5) dedicated health and social service exhibition and linkage space for organizations that specifically serve LGBT youth or are LGBT-youth friendly. This space will be enclosed would be exclusive to youth fitting the targeted age requirements to ensure participating youth are not exposed to youth that may not be conducting themselves according to their age, be under diligent supervision, with a formal check-in process, ID checks, and Youth Towne specific identification such as branded wrist bands.

All five partners are excited to embark on our newest journey to evolve Youth Towne to become a significant “Youth Pride Celebration” within the overall “Pride Celebration.”

For more information regarding this program, please contact us at executiveboard@clevelandpride.org.

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CLEVELAND PRIDE YOUTH TOWNE PARTNERS IN SPONSORSHIP

AIDS Healthcare Foundation

ABOUT AIDS HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION

Los Angeles-based AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) is a global organization providing cutting-edge medicine and advocacy to more than 200,000 patients in 28 countries. We are the largest provider of HIV/AIDS medical care in the U.S.

ABOUT AIDS FUNDING COLLABORATIVE/MISSION STATEMENT

The AIDS Funding Collaborative (AFC) strengthens the community’s response to HIV/AIDS as a public/private partnership providing coordination, leadership, and funding in Greater Cleveland. The AFC is one of 30 Community Partnerships of AIDS United. The primary function of Community Partnerships is to raise, leverage, and invest resources in local HIV/AIDS programs. Community Partnerships like the AFC also serve as conveners, technical assistance providers, community builders, and policy advocates. Since its inception the AFC has secured over $8 million to support HIV/AIDS-related services, activities, and prevention efforts in the Greater Cleveland region.

ABOUT AIDS TASKFORCE OF GREATER CLEVELAND

MISSION STATEMENT: The AIDS Taskforce of Greater Cleveland provides a compassionate and collaborative response to the needs of people infected, affected and at risk of HIV/AIDS. This is accomplished through leadership in prevention, education, supportive services and advocacy. VISION STATEMENT: The AIDS Taskforce of Greater Cleveland is the community leader in providing or facilitating effective HIV/AIDS services, prevention education, and advocacy. This is accomplished through a combination of training, resource coordination, capacity building, and the collaborative participation of consumers, funders, social service professionals, volunteers, government, and other constituents.

ABOUT CLEVELAND PRIDE

Cleveland Lesbian-Gay-Bi-Trans Pride, Inc. dba\Cleveland Pride, Inc. (Cleveland Pride) exists to be the catalyst for bringing awareness, education, and knowledge of the queer community to the general public in order to discourage/eliminate prejudice and discrimination on the basis of a person’s actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity.

Cleveland Pride openly recognizes and embraces all individuals of the queer community that identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer questioning, intersex, and straight allies; while understanding that each group identified exist in all ages, races, national origins, and physical abilities. We acknowledge that each group depends on and supports the other group(s) to sustain, nurture and develop fundamental progress in basic human and civil rights for all people.

Cleveland Pride will achieve this mission statement by educating institutions, industries and the general public; sponsor educational forums, awareness discussions, informational displays, supportive gatherings, other related organized events, and an annual rally, parade and festival. These will be accomplished by facilitating a financial model to fund and maintain an endowment through obtaining grants, conducting fundraisers, and promoting donation campaigns.

2013 Bounce Cleveland (Cafe, Bar, Nightclub)

Contact: Todd J. Saporito. Cleveland Pride Board President/CEO   FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(216) 905-8005, toddjsaporito@clevelandpride.org; WEB: www.clevelandpride.org;

BOUNCE CLEVELAND (CAFE, BAR, NIGHTCLUB) JOINS BRONZE LEVEL SPONSORS FOR CLEVELAND PRIDE’S 25TH SILVER ANNIVERSARY PARADE, RALLY & FESTIVAL ON SATURDAY, JUNE 29TH, 2013

A staple of the Cleveland nightlife, Bounce Cleveland (Cafe, Bar, Nightclub) joins the rank of other LGBT and Ally BRONZE sponsors to support Cleveland Pride’s 25^th Silver Anniversary Celebration.   The Parade, Rally and Festival will be held on Saturday, June 29^th at Voinovich Bicentennial Park, located in Downtown Cleveland behind the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum.  This year’s theme is “Honoring our Founders & Preparing our Future Leaders.”

“Bounce Cleveland owner, David Pecjak JR., and the Pecjak family, have invested a considerable amount of time, funds and resources into the acquisition and transformation of their newly acquired facility,” shared Todd J. Saporito, Board President/CEO of Cleveland Pride.  “David, his management team, and staff did not hesitate to offer assistance to Cleveland Pride, support which was very graciously welcomed by our organization.”

Bounce Cleveland delivers a surge of excitement for those seeking entertainment in Northeast Ohio.   Bounce Cleveland is currently the largest combined café, bar, nightclub and lounge in Greater Cleveland for the LGBT community as well as their friends and supporters.  Over the past year, Bounce Cleveland has offered celebrity entertainers from RuPaul’s Drag Race, Drag Queen and Drag King competitions, and a variety of other community fundraiser events.

“Bounce Cleveland is patronized by a wide range of LGBT community members, organizations and businesses.  It is an honor and a privilege to return the support by aiding Cleveland Pride in its annual celebration,” stated David Pecjak, Owner of Bounce Cleveland.  “Cleveland Pride has maintained its donation-based event status over the last 25 celebrations, removing any economic barrier for community members to participate.  This can only occur when committed donors, sponsors and attendees provide funds for this very important, and largest annual LGBT event.”

For this year’s Cleveland Pride weekend, Bounce Cleveland will transform its cafe, nightclub and patio into a festive CARNIVAL FAIR, bringing exciting entertainment both nights. On Friday, recording artist, Cazwell, will be performing his outrageous dance hits including, “Ice Cream Truck” and “Rice and Beans”. Saturday, the establishment will be featuring the darkly humorous and glamorous Sharon Needles, Season 4 winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race.

Bounce Cleveland will be placing a fun float in the parade, assisting Cleveland Pride by volunteering to sell Beer from 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM with all tips being donated to Cleveland Pride, and will have some new and exciting material to share at their Sponsor Vendor Booth.

Donny Hill, Bounce Marketing Manager will take the lead for the organization at Cleveland Pride this year.  “I’m excited to continue to support the organizations transformation, aid the organization in engaging in community activities, and overall finding new and innovative ways to meet our community wide, diverse interests in entertainment.”

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About Bounce Cleveland (Cafe, Bar, Nightclub)

About Cleveland Pride

Cleveland Pride, founded in 1989, has been an integral part of the Northeastern Ohio region for the past 25 years. Cleveland’s Pride celebration is among the first half-dozen such events launched in the U.S., making our Parade and Festival among the longest continuing Pride events in the country.

On an ongoing basis, Cleveland Pride brings awareness, education and knowledge of the queer community to the general public to discourage/eliminate prejudice and discrimination on the basis of a person’s actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity. Cleveland Pride openly recognizes and embraces all individuals of the queer community who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer questioning, intersex and straight allies, while understanding that each group identified exists in all ages, races, national origins and physical abilities.

More about Cleveland Pride at:  www.clevelandpride.org www.twitter.com/myClevLGBTPride www.facebook.com/ClevelandPride www.facebook.com/events/391407610915345

2013 Bitch & Ferron

Contact: Jessica Rosenblatt, Board Member & 2013 Director of Main Stage Entertainment     FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(216) 226-0004, jessica.rosenblatt@clevelandpride.org;WEB: www.clevelandpride.org;

BITCH & FERRON RETURN FOR CLEVELAND PRIDE’S 25TH SILVER ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION ON SATURDAY, JUNE 29TH, 2013

CLEVELAND, OH (June 3, 2013) – On June 29, 2013 Cleveland PRIDE will celebrate its historic 25th Silver Anniversary Parade, Rally & Festival at Voinovich Bicentennial Park, behind the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. This year’s event’s theme is “Honoring our Founders & Preparing our Future Leaders.”

“Bitch & Ferron performed last at Cleveland Pride in 2008. Their individual talents and combined moments on stage left the crowd standing, smiling and rocking throughout the day,” remembered Jessica Rosenblatt, Cleveland Pride Board Member and 2013 Director of Main Stage Entertainment. “Reaching out to these two incredible artists and asking them to join us at our 25th Silver Anniversary celebration, brings two generations of artists to our stage, displaying their unique differences, but joining together to please our festival attendees!”

Bitch is a singer who plays electric violin, bass, ukulele and keytar. She just recently ‘came out’ with her birth name, Karen Mould, to mark her recent shift in sound, and launched her new project, BEACH. BEACH is indie-electro rock fronted by her electric violin. She is joined on stage by an Alligator who operates the “machine.” Karen started studying classical violin at 4, and later expanded her musical horizons by studying fiddling with Andrew Bird. Her band, Bitch and Animal, toured with Ani Difranco in the U.S. and Europe and released two albums on Difranco’s label, Righteous Babe Records.  More about Bitch at http://bitchmusic.com/

Canadian folk singer/songwriter and poet, Ferron is one of the world’s most influential writers and performers of women’s music. Part Cree and Ojibway Indian, Ferron grew up in the Vancouver area in British Columbia, Canada. The eldest of seven children, she was tossed between foster homes, her mother and an abusive stepfather. Her mother’s French Canadian family inspired her to sing and write from an early age. Ferron has released 16 albums, some from her own labels, Lucy Records and Cherrywood Station Records. She worked briefly with Warner Brother Records, a relationship that quickly soured, which sent the artist into isolation for several years. More about Ferron at http://www.ferrononline.com.

“We are thrilled to participate again in the anniversary of Pride in Cleveland. As out artists, we know how important it is to be visible, to be proud, and to get together with other queer people and our allies. Have some fun, sing some songs and remind ourselves that we are not alone.” – Ferron & Bitch.

Cleveland PRIDE Main Triangle Stage located in the Southwest section of Voinovich Bicentennial Park during the Pride festival. Cleveland PRIDE’s 25^th Silver Anniversary event is expected to draw an estimated 25,000- 30,000 people this year.

For additional information, please contact Jessica Rosenblatt, Director of 2013 Festival Main Stage Entertainment at Jessica.Rosenblatt@clevelandpride.org.

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Cleveland Pride, Inc. acts as a catalyst to bring awareness, education and knowledge of the queer community to the public to eliminate prejudice and discrimination on the basis of a person’s actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity.

www.clevelandpride.org www.twitter.com/myClevLGBTPride www.facebook.com/ClevelandPride www.facebook.com/events/391407610915345

2013 Chipolte Logo

Contact: Todd J. Saporito. Board President/CEO   FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(216) 905-8005, toddjsaporito@clevelandpride.org; WEB: www.clevelandpride.org;

CLEVELAND PRIDE IS EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE CHIPOTLE MEXICAN GRILL JOINS AS A SILVER SPONSOR (VOLUNTEER FOOD SERVICES) OF THE 2013 CLEVELAND PRIDE PARADE, RALLY, & FESTIVAL ON SATURDAY, JUNE 29TH, 2013

“This is an exciting year for Cleveland Pride and the wonderful new sponsorships we are developing,” shared Todd J. Saporito, Board President/CEO of Cleveland Pride.“Chipotle Mexican Grill approached Cleveland Pride early in the process of signing sponsors.  It was a perfect union of both organizations to utilize Chipotle Mexican Grill’s famous burritos as the source of providing Cleveland Pride volunteers with with a healthy alternative menu. ”

“We are proud to have such great diversity among our customers and employees, and look to support a cross section of community events that reflects that diversity. As part of that effort, we have supported Pride events in a number of cities around the country and very much appreciate what these events contribute to the vibrancy of Cleveland and communities nationwide.” – Chris Arnold (Communications Director)

Chipotle Mexican Grill will be present this year in Cleveland Pride’s 25th Silver Anniversary Parade.  Parade attendees are encouraged to keep an eye out for our 2013 Volunteer Food Sponsor as they will be treated to some very exciting give-a-ways.

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About Chipotle

Steve Ells, founder, chairman and co-CEO, started Chipotle with the idea that food served fast did not have to be a typical fast food experience. Today, Chipotle continues to offer a focused menu of burritos, tacos, burrito bowls (a burrito without the tortilla) and salads made from fresh, high-quality raw ingredients, prepared using classic cooking methods and served in a distinctive atmosphere. Through our vision of Food With Integrity, Chipotle is seeking better food from using ingredients that are not only fresh, but that where possible are sustainably grown and naturally raised with respect for the animals, the land and the farmers who produce the food. A similarly focused people culture, with an emphasis on identifying and empowering top performing employees, enables us to develop future leaders from within. Chipotle opened with a single restaurant in 1993 and currently operates more than 1,400 restaurants. For more information, visit Chipotle.com.

About Cleveland Pride

Cleveland Pride, Inc. acts as a catalyst to bring awareness, education and knowledge of the queer community to the public to eliminate prejudice and discrimination on the basis of a person’s actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity.

www.clevelandpride.org www.twitter.com/myClevLGBTPride www.facebook.com/ClevelandPride www.facebook.com/events/391407610915345

Contact: Todd J. Saporito. Board President/CEO   FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(216) 905-8005, toddjsaporito@clevelandpride.org; WEB: www.clevelandpride.org;

2014 GAY GAMES PRESENTED BY THE CLEVELAND FOUNDATION RETURNS AS A SILVER SPONSOR OF THE 2013 CLEVELAND PRIDE PARADE, RALLY, & FESTIVAL ON SATURDAY, JUNE 29TH, 2013

“In 2007, Cleveland Pride was delighted to demonstrate support of the pursuit of the Gay Games in Cleveland, OH,” says Todd J. Saporito, Board President/CEO of Cleveland Pride. “In 2012, 2014 Gay Games provided sponsorship support and a significant volunteer force to help us manage our welcoming gates. This year’s sponsorship represents and ongoing partnership of the 2014 Gay Games organization and Cleveland Pride for Cleveland’s largest annual LGBT and allied event.”

This is the 25th anniversary of the Pride event, which celebrates diversity in the community. The Gay Games is a global event held every four years. In 2014, Cleveland and Akron will become the smallest region to ever host the event – bringing more than 10,000 LGBT participants and 20,000 visitors.

“Like the long-standing success of Cleveland Pride, the selection of Northeast Ohio to host the Gay Games is another indicator of what a great LGBT community we have along with strong ally support throughout the region,” says Steve Sokany, co-chair of the 2014 Gay Games.

The 2014 Gay Games are open to all adults regardless of sexual orientation or athletic abilities. It incorporates more than 3 sports and cultural events, from darts and bowling to swimming and softball, as well as band and choir.

The Gay Games also will host the opening ceremony at Quicken Loans Arena in downtown Cleveland, where all registrants are invited to march into the venue with their respective city, state or country.

“We want to encourage everybody in Northeast Ohio to register – even if they don’t want to compete – they can march in opening ceremony and be a part of this historic event,” said Hollie Ksiezyk, co-chair of the 2014 Gay Games.

Other activities during Games Week (August 9-16, 2014) include festival village on Mall C, special events throughout the region, and a fantastic closing ceremony in downtown Cleveland.

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About the Gay Games
The Gay Games is an international sporting and cultural event held every four years under the founding principles of Participation, Inclusion, and Personal Best™. Launched in 1982, the Games invite participation from everybody, regardless of sexual orientation, race, gender, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, political beliefs, athletic or artistic ability, age, physical challenge or health status.

The 2014 Gay Games presented by the Cleveland Foundation will be August 9-16, 2014, in venues around Cleveland and Akron, Ohio, in the United States. More than 35 sports and culture events will be held, with more than 10,000 people from more than 60 countries expected to participate. For more information, visit www.gg9cle.com.

About Cleveland Pride

Cleveland Pride, Inc. acts as a catalyst to bring awareness, education and knowledge of the queer community to the public to eliminate prejudice and discrimination on the basis of a person’s actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity.

www.clevelandpride.org www.twitter.com/myClevLGBTPride www.facebook.com/ClevelandPride www.facebook.com/events/391407610915345

Contact: Todd J. Saporito. Board President/CEO   FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(216) 905-8005, toddjsaporito@clevelandpride.org; WEB: www.clevelandpride.org;

ADULTMART RETURNS AS SILVER SPONSOR FOR CLEVELAND PRIDE’S 25TH SILVER ANNIVERSARY PARADE, RALLY & FESTIVAL ON SATURDAY, JUNE 29TH, 2013

CLEVELAND, OH (June 03, 2013) – Cleveland Pride is pleased to announce that AdultMart joins the rank of sponsors supporting  Cleveland Pride’s 25th Silvery Anniversary Parade, Rally & Festival.

Cleveland Pride is proud to announce Adultmart’s return as a Silver Sponsor of the 2013 Cleveland Pride Rally, parade and festival.  Adultmart has been an honored sponsor of Cleveland Pride for more than a decade, and this year marks the 25^th Anniversary of the celebration. The festivities kick off June 29th at Voinovich Bicentennial Park from Noon until 8 p.m. The celebration brings allies, supporters and identifying members of the LGBT community together to celebrate equality throughout Cleveland.

“Adultmart has been one of our longer sustaining sponsors, who not only provides us with financial support for our annual festival, but also provides us with ID bands for our Beer Garden,” shared Todd J. Saporito, Board President/CEO of Cleveland Pride, Inc.  “Our partnership with Adultmart’s leadership and associates shines bright during our planning and execution of our annual event each year.”

“We always look forward to an event and opportunity where we can connect with the community” says Rondee Kamins, CEO/Owner of Adultmart. “I love the fact that my stores can be involved. We feel it’s important for our employees to provide a safe, judgment free environment where everyone can enjoy their shopping experience. Our stores carry something for everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation. We’re excited to have the opportunity to celebrate Cleveland Pride’s Silver Anniversary this summer!”

Adultmart is not only involved in Cleveland’s pride celebration, but also Pennsylvania, Indiana, New York, and other cities throughout Ohio as well.  Adultmart is also an active partner with other LGBT friendly charities in the Cleveland area.

To locate the most convenient store for you, visit www.adultmart.com.

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Cleveland Pride, Inc. acts as a catalyst to bring awareness, education and knowledge of the queer community to the public to eliminate prejudice and discrimination on the basis of a person’s actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity.

www.clevelandpride.org www.twitter.com/myClevLGBTPride www.facebook.com/ClevelandPride www.facebook.com/events/391407610915345

2013 Familia es Familia Cleveland

Join us for:

“What is Familia?”: Una Conversación
June 6, 6–‐8pm
Nueva Luz Urban Resource Center
2226 W. 89th , Cleveland, OH 44102

Co–‐hosted by:
Nueva Luz Urban Resource Center
The LGBT Center of Greater Cleveland
Familia es Familia, & Equality Ohio
For more info, contact Maya Simek at 216–‐651–‐8236

CLEVELAND PRIDE: 2013 PRIME TIME: COME AWAY WITH APPRECIATION AND A PASSION TO CONTINUE
By Judy Benson

On February 27th of this year, 2013 , Cleveland Pride released: “Cleveland Pride announces the inaugural launch of “Prime Time Social Area,” an area for our LGBTQ & SA community members 50 years and older!”

The following is a statement from that release:  “It is important that our festival presents a welcoming climate of inclusion for senior LGBTQ and Straight Allies. We have engaged a longtime community activist and volunteer, Judy Benson, to lead an effort to create “Cleveland Pride’s Prime Time Social Area.”

Judy’s goal is to actively invite and enlist individuals, groups, organizations and public agencies to join in hosting and programming this area. …. Ultimately, we hope that providing this space encourages our senior community to mingle amongst each other, reflect on 25 years of celebrating pride, and taking a moment to share their stories with our youth of today.”
(http://www.clevelandpride.org/)

Spring has arrived and we are moving closer to our 25 Anniversary Pride Festival. The Prime Time Area is ready to go. We have dedicated space, on the north west corner of Voinovich Park. There will be a place to sit and snacks available, and everyone at Pride is encouraged and welcome to learn what has been achieved.

Listen to political activists form Stonewall Democrats and Log Cabin Republicans. Hear the story of the first New York City Pride Parade and the First Womyn’s Variety Show. Be introduced to new ideas about ageism which effects everyone in our community. Learn about sports and recreational activities that exist in safe spaces and welcome all ages. Participate in a sing along and acquire the tools of chant and song to further your cause. Participate in art activity which will help you focus and find your passion. Become aware of what help is available to you exactly as you are during life’s most challenging times. Hopefully you all will come away with an appreciation of the efforts of early out and proud activists with a passion for the work they have done and, with your help will continue to do, to advance all or our futures Anyone who would like to be involved in this effort please contact Judy Benson , judb@cox.net.

2013 EDEN SF

source: https://www.facebook.com/events/401502266624156/

EDEN Pride Weekend is a 4-day event during Pride in San Francisco for women, queers, transfolks and our friends and allies. TEN events over FOUR days with Celesbians, hot musical entertainers, national and local celebrity DJs, dancers, go-gos, our host hotel, over 5,000 women and YOU come together for this amazing weekend event.

Weekend Headliner: Grammy award winner EVE!!!!

Celesbian Hosts: Chef K | AZMarie | Rose Garcia | Aima | Mona Webb | Tragik

Freestyle Dancer Extordinaire: Zulu Nasty

DJ Angie Vee | DJ Fusion | DJ Lady Fingaz | DJ Lady Ryan | DJ Lezlee | DJ LP | DJ Motive | DJ Ry Toast | DJ ThatGirl | DJ Trinity | DJ Val G

This year 100% of the proceeds from EDEN SF Pride will go to EDEN LGBTQ Youth Foundation (http://www.edenyouthfoundation.org/)

✰PURCHASE WEEKEND AND SINGLE EVENT PASSES HERE
http://edensfpride2013.eventbrite.com/

✰READ MORE ABOUT THE VENUES HERE
http://www.edeninthebay.com/?page_id=2

Rooms in our host hotel Parc55 are selling fast so book today!
✰READ MORE ABOUT THE HOTEL AND HOW TO BOOK HERE
http://www.edeninthebay.com/?page_id=164

★THURSDAY★
JUNE 27th, 2013
Bottle Service for Thursday can be purchased here:
http://edenthursday2013.eventbrite.com/#
includes 4 VIP wristbands and all VIP Exclusive perks http://www.edeninthebay.com/?page_id=1613
___________________
▼EDEN Kick Off Party▼
http://www.edeninthebay.com/?page_id=1174
THE SUPPERCLUB | 657 HARRISON ST. | SF
JUNE 27TH, 2013
9pm-2am
Buy Tix: http://edensfpride2013.eventbrite.com/

Join us inside the Bar Rouge located inside The Supperclub at 9pm for the EDEN Kickoff Party to nosh on complimentary bites provided by Hilscooking, grab a drink and pick up your Pre-Purchased All Access Passes or buy single event passes so you don’t have to wait in line!

It all starts here at the EDEN Kick Off Party. Your ticket fashionsupper2to the BEST San FranciscoPride Events for women and our friends. Anything can happen here…EDEN’s Thursday Kick Off Party is being held at the sexiest space in the city. The Supperclub is a creative experience to titillate all your senses. Do not be afraid to discover the creative corners of your personality, the depths of your sensual self and how far you will go surrounded by beds, performance, Celebrity DJs, hot Celesbians, dancers, Go-Gos… take a bite from our forbidden fruit and trust us you will never be the same.

▼EDEN Fashion Event▼
http://www.edeninthebay.com/?page_id=1187
THE SUPPERCLUB | 657 HARRISON ST. | SF
JUNE 27TH, 2013
10:30pm-2am
Buy Tix: http://edensfpride2013.eventbrite.com/

DRESS TO IMPRESS!!! This year EDEN is going BIG with our 2nd Annual EDEN Fashion Event. The paparazzi got their camera’s on ready and you should have your style on red alert.

Eight LGBTQ Designers will be strutting their creations down the runway with celesbian AZ Marie from America’s Next Top Model hosting the event. This year we scoured the Bay to find cutting edge designers with creative and inspired ideas for our runway. Our selections will not disappoint. Be prepared to be dazzled by these creative geniuses!

▼EDEN Fashion After Party▼
http://www.edeninthebay.com/?page_id=1188
THE SUPPERCLUB | 657 HARRISON ST. | SF
JUNE 27TH, 2013
10:30pm-2am
Buy Tix: http://edensfpride2013.eventbrite.com/

After the Fashion show it is time to get your party on! 3 of the hottest DJaimas in Bay performing in two rooms. DJs ThatGirl, Fusion and Trinity playing your favorites on the wheels of steel all night long.

Hosted by the fabulous Aima the Dreamer with special vocal performance by AZ Marie of America’s Next Top Model.

2 Dance Floors | Celesbians | Designers | Models
Pole Dancing Room | Go Gos | DJs | Aerial Performance

★FRIDAY★
JUNE 22nd
Bottle Service for Friday Block Party can be purchased here:
http://edenfriday2013.eventbrite.com/#
includes 4 VIP wristbands and all VIP Exclusive perks http://www.edeninthebay.com/?page_id=1613
_____________
▼EDEN Foodie Brunch▼
http://www.edeninthebay.com/?page_id=1825
Bisou Bistro | 2367 Market St | SF
11am-3pm
$45 Regular Pass
$75 Chef’s Table Pass
Buy Tix: http://edenfoodie.eventbrite.com/

This year EDEN is excited to announce celesbian Khristianne Uy aka Chef K, winner of ABC’s the Taste, is joining forces with Chef Nick of Bisou Bistro to create a special menu for EDEN’s Foodie Brunch being held on Friday, June 28th, 2013. This brunch, as with all the events this weekend, is a fundraiser for the EDEN LGBTQ Youth Foundation.

Chef K and Chef Nick have come up with a scrumptious brunch for you to enjoy as you start your Pride Weekend. Chef K tailors her unique approach to various pallets with customizable menus through her own catering company, Kreate LA. Bisou Bistro is located in the heart of the Castro.

▼EDEN Comedy Show▼
http://www.edeninthebay.com/?page_id=1176
Brava Theater | 2781 24th St | SF
JUNE 28TH, 2013
7pm-9pm
$25
Buy Tix: http://edensfpride2013.eventbrite.com/

Join us for a night filled with comedic powerhouses that will make you laugh your way into Pride. Two sublimely funny ladies, two hours of non-stop laughter and one night of side splitting fun!

Comedians Gina Yashere and Dana Goldberg will be making your body shake with their hilaririty! These two funny ladies are gonna bring with their insightful observations, dry wit, on point commentary and so much more. This is the one show YOU will not want to miss!

▼EDEN BLOCK PARTY▼
http://www.edeninthebay.com/?page_id=1178
The Factory | 525 Harrison | SF
June 28th, 2013
9pm-3am
$20/VIP $30
Buy Tix: http://edensfpride2013.eventbrite.com/

National Recording Artists | Celesbians | 12 DJs | 3 Dancefloors | Go-Gos | Dancers | Food Vendors |
Live Body Painting

WE MADE HISTORY LAST YEAR and this year will be bigger and BETTER. Save your cab money because all the women you can possibly want to meet and party with will be in the same place! Twelve DJs will be rocking three floors with every genre of music for every taste. We are taking over Harrison St in San Francisco at the hottest club in the city! This year our performance lineup will WOW! you like we haven’t done before. It is gonna be hot, hot hot!

Hosted by the all too fabulous Rose Garcia and Mona Webb

★SATURDAY★
JUNE 29th
Bottle Service for Saturday Signature Party can be purchased here: http://edensaturday2013.eventbrite.com/#
includes 4 VIP wristbands and all VIP Exclusive perks http://www.edeninthebay.com/?page_id=1613
___________________
▼Saturday EDEN Signature Party▼
http://www.edeninthebay.com/?page_id=1180
Mezzanine | 444 Jessie St | SF
June 29th, 2013
9pm-3am
$40/VIP $60
Buy Tix: http://edensfpride2013.eventbrite.com/

National Recording Artists | Celesbians | 8 DJs | 2 Dancefloors | Go-Gos | Dancers | Vendors

Every year we sell out our EDEN Signature Party so this year we have moved to a larger venue with a spectacular musical history. The Mezzanine, a richly diverse multi-use venue boasts state-of-the-art lighting technologies with custom-built sound systems for both live and electronic music. And for this night it is ALL OURS! Our hosts Mona Webb and Rose Garcia will be gettin’ you hyped all night long!

Our internationally renowned female DJs are the hottest that California has to offer and they are going to be droppin’ those beats hard and fast all night long taking you on a musical journey through Hip Hop-Electro-Classics-Club Anthems-Booty Slaps-and so much more. It will be quite simply the best damn music you will hear in the Bay.

★SUNDAY★
JUNE 30th
______________
▼Sunday EDEN Pride After Party▼
http://www.edeninthebay.com/?page_id=1184
Salle | 1632 C Market St | SF
June 30th, 2013
6pm-midnight
$10/VIP $15
Buy Tix: http://edensfpride2013.eventbrite.com/

For the first time in the history of EDEN we are keepin’ it real in the city for our first ever BIG BLOWOUT finale right after San Francisco Pride shuts down. The big surprise is WHERE this is all going to go down, so keep your eyes peeled on May 1st for all the deets. Lesbos, Queers, Queens and Trans are gonna be partying the night away together and TRUST this finale will rock your socks right off.

________________________________________________________

✰ About EDEN Pride Events
http://www.edenprideevents.com/

EDEN Pride Events is committed to bringing quality events of every genre to the Bay Area, as well as to our regional, national and international constituencies. EDEN Pride Events believe in the idea that art, in any form, makes our local and global communities better places to live. We challenge ourselves into making those ideas become realities for our team, our artists, our performers, our DJs, our vendors and our communities.

✰ About the EDEN LGBTQ Youth Foundation
http://www.edenyouthfoundation.org/

The mission of the EDEN LGBTQ Youth Foundation is to serve as a community, cultural and funding source for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer youth in the Greater Bay Area through grants, scholarships and initiatives.

The EDEN LGBTQ Youth Foundation is currently 501(c)(3) pending.

Check out our 2013 Sponsors by clicking here:
http://www.edeninthebay.com/?page_id=844

2013 Radisson Gateway Cleveland

Contact: Todd J. Saporito. Board President/CEO   FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(216) 905-8005, toddjsaporito@clevelandpride.org; WEB: www.clevelandpride.org;

RADISSON HOTEL CLEVELAND GATEWAY JOINS CLEVELAND PRIDE AS STAR SPONSOR

CLEVELAND, OH (May 29, 2013) – Cleveland Pride is pleased to announce that Radisson Hotel Cleveland Gateway joins the rank of sponsors supporting  Cleveland Pride’s 25th Silvery Anniversary Parade, Rally & Festival.

“It’s always wonderful to find organizations, like the Radisson Hotel Cleveland Gateway, that embrace the importance of our annual celebration’,” shared Todd J. Saporito, Board President/CEO of Cleveland Pride, Inc.

Perfectly positioned within downtown Cleveland’s Historic Gateway District and just a short walk from the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the Radisson Hotel Cleveland – Gateway offers you the best in comfort and convenience. With our close proximity to Progressive Field, Q arena and the city’s premier shopping and nightlife district, it’s easy to see why the Radisson stands out among downtown Cleveland hotels.

“The Radisson Hotel Cleveland Gateway is honored to support Cleveland Pride 2013. Our core values and faith lead our philosophy for respect, fairness and equality for all individuals. Our hotel culture for all guests and employees follows this mission statement.” shared Juan T. Fernandez, Hotel General Manager.  “Reserve your hotel room, Radisson Hotel Gateway, downtown Cleveland.  Special rates are available online at http://www.radisson.com/cleveland-hotel-oh-44115/ohcleve.  We are offering 20-25% discounts on rates, valid until 5 days before June 29 to book a room.”

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Cleveland Pride, Inc. acts as a catalyst to bring awareness, education and knowledge of the queer community to the public to eliminate prejudice and discrimination on the basis of a person’s actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity.

www.clevelandpride.org www.twitter.com/myClevLGBTPride www.facebook.com/ClevelandPride www.facebook.com/events/391407610915345

Jessica A Rosenblatt

Contact: Todd J. Saporito. Board President/CEO   FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(216) 905-8005, toddjsaporito@clevelandpride.org; WEB: www.clevelandpride.org;

FIGHTING CHANCE RECORDS CEO JESSICA A. ROSENBLATT JOINS CLEVELAND PRIDE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

CLEVELAND, OH (May 28, 2013) – Cleveland Pride is pleased to announce that Fighting Chance Records CEO, Jessica A. Rosenblatt, accepted a position on the Board of Directors.  Ms. Rosenblatt joined Cleveland Pride’s 2013 Planning and Logistics committee at the beginning of 2013.  She concentrated her talent and energy on programming the Main Triangle Stage entertainment line-up, assuring that Cleveland Pride’s 25th Silvery Anniversary Parade, Rally & Festival would be memorable for all of those that attend the event this year.

“As the Board of Directors continually seeks younger new leaders, Jessica caught the attention of all of the officers with her enthusiasm and excitement to be a part of this year’s planning,” boasted Todd J. Saporito, Cleveland Pride’s Board President/CEO.   “Jessica and her partner were widely engaged in other LGBTQ and Allied community projects, which made her selection for our board a perfect fit.”

Rosenblatt came out as an open lesbian woman in her late teen years and with the support of her mother it gave her a strength to face the challenges of intolerance within her community.   As a Cleveland native, her personal connection to the city gave her a motive to confront challenges and further the cities understanding  and acceptance of the LGBTQ community.   Rosenblatt’s role as a tour manager, manager, booking agent and PR representative aided her in aligning her own company to volunteer and provide event planning for other groups including PFLAG, Relay for Life and CIFF (Cleveland International Film Festival).    Pulling from her experience while interning at Live Nation she began creating events.   With PFLAG, Fighting Chance Records partners with High Schools to speak with GSA groups and work relentlessly to build relationships between gay and straight, adult and child, to a unity and understanding through conversations.

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Cleveland Pride, Inc. acts as a catalyst to bring awareness, education and knowledge of the queer community to the public to eliminate prejudice and discrimination on the basis of a person’s actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity.

2013 Cleveland Pride Deborah Cox

Contact: Todd J. Saporito. Board President/CEO   FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(216) 905-8005, toddjsaporito@clevelandpride.org; WEB: www.clevelandpride.org;

CLEVELAND PRIDE ANNOUNCES LEGENDARY DEBORAH COX AS 25^TH SILVER ANNIVERSARY HEADLINER

CLEVELAND, OH (May 24, 2013) – On June 29, 2013 Cleveland PRIDE will celebrate its historic 25th Silver Anniversary Parade, Rally & Festival at Voinovich Bicentennial Park, behind the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. This year’s event’s theme is “Honoring our Founders & Preparing our Future Leaders.”

In honor of our 25^th Silver Anniversary, Cleveland PRIDE is excited to present the legendary Deborah Cox as this year’s headliner. A Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum selling and multi-talented entertainer, Cox has earned three Juno Awards, conquered the R&B and pop charts, including six top-20 Billboard R&B singles, and an impressive ten #1 hits on Billboard’s Hot Dance Club Play chart.  She played the lead role in Elton John and Tim Rice’s Broadway musical, Aida, and Co-starred as Lucy in Frank Wildhorn’s “Jekyll & Hyde”.

Since its inaugural rally in 1989, Cleveland PRIDE has become one of the fastest growing PRIDE celebrations.  This year’s event takes place on Saturday, June 29^th from 12:00 NOON until 8:00 PM in the heart of Downtown Cleveland, Ohio at a scenic lakeside park located at 800 East 9th Street, Cleveland, OH  44114.  The event will feature multiple stages boasting a large variety of Midwest entertainment including Musicians, Deejays, Drag Performers, Dancers, Performance Artists and more.

“Celebrating our 25th Silver Anniversary Parade, Rally, and Festival means a great deal to our organization and our LGBT community,” shared Todd J. Saporito, Board President/CEO. “We have undertaken a Heritage Video Project, capturing our Cleveland Pride founders, Martha Pontoni and Andrew Cari, historical account of the troubling times which caused them to take action and publicly demonstrate in 1989. We have been releasing segments of this series over the past 8 weeks mobilizing our community for this event.”

DEBORAH COX

While singing with Celine Dion, Cox was discovered by the infamous Clive Davis and instantly signed to Arista Records. Her platinum selling debut album, Deborah Cox was released in 1995 and garnered her first JUNO award for Best R&B Soul Recording.  In 1998 she followed up with the release of her second CD, One Wish.  From this CD came the double platinum, “Nobody’s Supposed To Be Here,” which held the record for being the longest running #1 R&B Single for 14 consecutive weeks. She earned her third JUNO, a Lady of Soul and a Soul Train Award. Her second single, “We Can’t Be Friends,” also went to #1 on Billboard’s singles chart and sold over 500,000 copies. “Things Just Ain’t The Same” and “It’s Over Now” followed.  In 2000, Deborah recorded the duet “Same Script Different Cast” with Whitney Houston. The Morning After was released in 2002 with “Up & Down (In & Out),” co-written with Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis.

In addition to roles in both film and television, Deborah also released a Grammy Award nominated tribute album to the legendary Dinah Washington in 2007 (Universal) as well as an independent R&B album release of The Promise (Deco Recording Group) in 2008 where she earned her 10th #1 spot on the Billboard Dance Chart with the international hit “Beautiful U R”. Behind the scenes, Deborah has recorded singles for several film soundtracks including Akeelah and the Bee, Hotel Rwanda, Kingdom Come, Money Talks, A Good Man is Hard To Find and most recently Tyler Perry’s “Meet the Browns.”

In 2010 Deborah was invited by Andrea Bocelli to sing three duets with him at the O2 in London. She also toured with David Foster on his Foster & Friends Tour

Deborah Cox will headline the Cleveland PRIDE Main Triangle Stage located in the Southwest section of Voinovich Bicentennial Park during the Pride festival. Cleveland PRIDE’s 25^th Silver Anniversary event is expected to draw an estimated 25,000- 30,000 people this year.

For additional information, please contact Jessica Rosenblatt, Director of 2013 Festival Main Stage Entertainment at Jessica.Rosenblatt@clevelandpride.org.

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Cleveland Pride, Inc. acts as a catalyst to bring awareness, education and knowledge of the queer community to the public to eliminate prejudice and discrimination on the basis of a person’s actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity.

2013 Ambiance

Contact: Todd J. Saporito                                                FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Board President/CEO
(216) 905-8005
toddjsaporito@clevelandpride.org

CLEVELAND (May 21, 2013) – Cleveland Pride is proud to announce Ambiance, the Store for Lovers, returns again as a Bronze Sponsor of the 2013 Cleveland Pride Rally, Parade and Festival, which will be held June 29 from noon to 8 p.m. at Voinovich Bicentennial Park. This is the 25^th anniversary of the event, which celebrates diversity in the community.

Ambiance has participated in the annual event since 2007. This marks its third year as a Bronze Sponsor. “At very critical points in our recent history, Jennifer and her team have made themselves available to assist our organization,” says Todd J. Saporito, Board President/CEO of Cleveland Pride, Inc, the organization that hosts the festival. “It’s clearly an exciting moment when a devoted partner of Cleveland Pride takes ownership and is now a long-time sponsor.”

“Ambiance is delighted to support the Cleveland Pride Festival, especially during its Silver Anniversary year,” says Jennifer Downey, president of Ambiance. “We believe that all couples should take pride in their love lives, no matter what their sexual orientation is.”

Sponsorship of the event is just one way Ambiance actively supports the LGBT community in northeast Ohio. Downey is a founding board member and a member of Plexus, the Chamber of Commerce for the LGBT Community and its Allies. Ambiance has been a Bronze Level Sponsor of Plexus since 2006. Downey also sits on the board of directors of the 2014 Gay Games (GG9), and Ambiance is a Green Level Rainbow Sponsor of GG9, which will be held in Cleveland August 9-16, 2014. In addition, the company has also been a sponsor of Dancin’ in the Streets, the annual fundraiser for the AIDS Taskforce of Greater Cleveland.  Each year, Ambiance supports dozens of events to benefit the LGBT Center, Youngstown Pride, Equality Ohio, Colors of Cleveland Pride, and other organizations that are striving to connect communities, break down stereotypes and achieve equality for all regardless of race, gender or sexual orientation.

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Ambiance, the Store for Lovers is dedicated to the idea that “Monogamy Shouldn’t Be Monotonous.™”All of our retail locations offer sensuous lingerie, gifts of passion and romantic technology in comfortable, upscale, couple-friendly boutiques with a sensitive, caring and well-trained staff. In addition, couples can shop online from the privacy of their homes at www.storeforlovers.com.

Cleveland Pride, Inc. acts as a catalyst to bring awareness, education and knowledge of the queer community to the public to eliminate prejudice and discrimination on the basis of a person’s actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity.

Celebrating 25 years of Cleveland Pride 

As the publisher of the official Pride Guide, the Gay People’s Chronicle invites you to share in Cleveland Pride’s Silver Anniversary Celebration!

Cleveland Pride is celebrating 25 years this June!  This is your opportunity the help celebrate this awesome achievement!

This is a great time to congratulate Cleveland Pride while promoting your company or organization

in the official 2013 Gay People’s Chronicle PRIDE GUIDE!

The PRIDE GUIDE (2013 GPC PRIDE GUIDE Rates) is the largest special issue of the Gay People’s Chronicle each year.  The Gay People’s Chronicle PRIDE GUIDE is the authority on Pride related events in northeast Ohio during the month of June.  Due to the amount and diversity of advertisers who place their ads in this issue alone, the PRIDE GUIDE (2013 GPC PRIDE GUIDE Rates) is generally kept and referred to throughout the year as a resource to the businesses and organizations that support the LGBT community.  Complimentary copies of the PRIDE GUIDE will be delivered to over 300 locations in throughout northeast Ohio, and it will also be available for pick-up at the Cleveland Pride festival on June 29, 2013.

Save money by reserving your PRIDE GUIDE advertising space today!

The Gay People’s Chronicle is offering a discounted rate if you reserve your advertising space early!  The earlybird deadline is, May 20th at 5 PM.  The final deadline for all other ads is Friday, June 7 at 5 PM.  The rates listed on the attached PDF file are for black and white material.  Please add $150 to the price if you want your ad to appear in full color.  Full color spaces are limited, and they are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.  Back Cover spaces already include color in the price.

 Contact David at 440-986-0051, or via email at debbert@chronohio.com to reserve your advertising space in the
biggest issue of the year… the Anniversary Edition of the Gay People’s Chronicle PRIDE GUIDE!

 More ways to get involved in the celebration!

Another way to show your support of, and to get involved with Cleveland Pride’s 25^th Anniversary Celebration, is to become a vendor, sponsor,

or parade participant at the Cleveland Pride event at Voinovich Park on Saturday, June 29, 2013.

For information on how to get involved with the Cleveland Pride event, please call Todd Saporito at 216-905-8005, email him at: toddjsaporito@clevelandpride.org, or visit www.clevelandpride.org. *

*Please note that Cleveland Pride and the Gay People’s Chronicle are two separate entities with a common goal of enrichment, outreach, and celebration of Cleveland’s LGBT community and its supporters. 

Todd will be able to help with Cleveland Pride event inquiries only, and David will be able to help with any advertising-related information in the official 2013 Gay People’s Chronicle PRIDE GUIDE only. 

For maximum exposure of your company or organization, it is suggested that you use opportunities available to you by both Cleveland Pride, Inc., and the Gay People’s Chronicle.

Thank you for your continued support of northeast Ohio’s LGBT community!

 David Ebbert
Advertising Manager

 P.O. BOX 391464
CLEVELAND, OHIO 44139
216-769-GLBT (4528) Home Office
440-986-0051 Cell
debbert@chronohio.com
www.gaypeopleschronicle.com

SAVE THE DATES: PEACE KEEPER TRAINING

Thursday, June 13th; Thursday June 20th; Saturday June 22nd

WELCOME!!!!  On behalf of Cleveland Pride, thank you for your time, commitment and support. We are excited to hold our 25th annual Cleveland Pride celebration with a parade, rally and festival. This year’s event coincides with the 44th Anniversary of the Stonewall Riots in New York City. We have selected a theme of “Honoring our Founders: Preparing our Future Leaders” to honor those people that have come together and support advancing the rights of all peoples, embracing their similarities and differences. It also represent a focusing statement to Northeast Ohio for all members of our community to unite to achieve equality in all walks of life.

“This is a very important year for Cleveland Pride, its 25th Silver Anniversary celebration”, stated Jon Brittain, Director of the 2013 Cleveland Pride Parade Planning & Logistics Committee. “While our celebration will focus on the 25 year history of Cleveland Pride, we are capturing the sense of our culture back in 1989.  We ask all parade marchers and spectators to bring back to life, where they were in 1989 when our founders called to our community ‘Out of the Closet’, the first Gay and Lesbian rally in Cleveland, Ohio.”

Parade marchers and parade viewers will begin to congregate on Saturday, June 29th as early as 10:30 AM. For those marching in the parade, we ask that you meet at W. 3rd. between Superior and St. Clair Streets. If you have a vehicle you must be there by 10:30am; if you don’t have a vehicle, you must be there by 11am.

Everyone must be in the holding queue by 11:30am. Parade participants should not throw anything into the crowds, should not taunt anyone on the sidelines and should not involve themselves with any protests occurring along the parade route.

At the end of the parade, vehicles will be asked to turn left on Erieside Ave. in front of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Participants need to be out of the vehicle before Erieside Ave. Only cars with parking credentials are permitted to continue forward onto the campus. All participants are asked as they come into the festival to remain in the grassy knoll in front of the stage, so we are prepared for the rally speeches and photo opportunity.

PEACEKEEPERS:
We honor and celebrate our right to assemble and our right to freedom of speech. We also uphold and affirm the right of people who have opposing views.

Each parade group has two peacekeepers, one on the north side and south side of the parade route. Peacekeepers are reminded to introduce themselves to the peacekeeper in the group in front of their group and the peacekeeper behind their group. This creates a strong peacekeeper buddy system. Be watchful and prepared to assist your partner, peacekeeper and/or fellow groups. Peacekeepers should help the parade to move forward in a timely and organized fashion.

PARKING:
There is no parking for festival-goers at Voinovich Pier; however, ample city and private parking is available at the following locations:
• Standard Parking Garage at 1301 E. 9th St.
• Standard parking across from Naval Reserve on North Marginal
• North Point Parking access from E. 9th St. near the Shoreway/Route 2 Ramp
• Willard Park Garage access from Lakeside and E. 9th Street
• Municipal Lot access from S. Marginal Rd.
• Burke Lakefront Airport access from N. Marginal Rd.
• Galleria Parking Garage and Valet Parking access from E. 12th St. or Lakeside
• Port Authority Lot access from Erieside Ave.

PARADE LINE-UP:
Parade participants may begin arriving at 10:30 AM. Please be prepared to be directed to a general area in the staging area. Groups may be required to adjust their positions as final attendees join our march. Anyone may march in our parade. Please welcome all last-minute interested parties.