Cleveland Pride

The Blazing River Freedom Band was formed in September 2003 (then named the Cleveland Lesbian Gay Allies Concert Marching Band) by Brandyn J. Metzko, a musical transplant from San Francisco. After months of recruiting to no avail, the band had decided to hang up its triangle in December of 2003. Fortunately, at the LGBA’s urging, the band resumed rehearsals in February 2004 and shortly began to grow.

The Blazing River Freedom Band has performed a variety of times of the years including Cleveland Pride 2004, Chicago Pride 2004, Rochester Pride 2004, LGBA Conference 2004 Ft Lauderdale, Indianapolis Pride 2005, Cincinnati Pride 2005, Cleveland Pride 2005, Columbus Pride 2005, LGBA Conference 2005 Palm Springs, Fall Concert 2005, AIDS Walk 2005, Indianapolis Pride 2006, Cleveland Pride 2006, Lansing Pride 2006, Stage and Silver Screen 2006, AIDS Walk 2006, Honors Band 2007, Cleveland Pride 2007, Cleveland Pride 2008, Chicago Pride 2008, LGBA Conference 2008, New York Inauguration 2009, Cleveland Pride 2009, Chicago Pride 2009, Rochester Pride 2009, Frivolity – Gay Games Rock!, LGBA Conference 2009 New Orleans, Cleveland Pride 2010.

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A picture of raw talent folk rock/soul singer songwriter Anthony Covatta from Cleveland, Ohio brings soul and passion to every lyric and chord progression of his music. Anthony has been a staple in the Cleveland music scene for nearly 10 years. Anthony performs at Union Café, Bounce Nightclub on the 1st & 3rd Thursday monthly hosting Union Presents Live Music 9pm. Anthony Covatta is currently working on the full studio version of his 2nd full length album called “PROGRESS”. Anthony is very proud to be hitting the Cleveland PRIDE stage again, this will be Anthony’s third performance for Cleveland PRIDE having graced the PRIDE stage in 2009 & 2010.

Anthony Covatta is versed in piano, guitar, and vocals his music explores the many emotional facets of the human psyche, from love and loss, to addiction and hope all set to a folk-artist feel. Inspired by artists such as Ani Difranco, John Mayer and Lauryn Hill, Anthony Covatta is sure to make an impact on the music industry. The musical RENT by Jonathon Larson sparked huge inspiration to this artist, adding an interest in acting/theater. Currently working on a music video and tracks for his upcoming cd/dvd release “Open Mic Life,” he is also staying active in the Cleveland music scene, playing out wherever possible. This artists mission is not only to promote his own work, but all Cleveland music

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THE CLEVELAND KINGS & GIRLS (THE CKG)
The Cleveland Kings and Girls have been entertaining and serving the LGBTQ community since 2005. Founded by Adam Apple (now retired) The CKG was the first “Drag King” troupe in the city of Cleveland. Since then the troupe has evolved into much more. We are now considered more of a “Performance Troupe” inclusive of not only Drag Kings but also Bio-Femme and Bio-Male entertainers and now Drag Queens. Our goal as a troupe is to raise awareness of all different sectors of the Community including Transgender/Queer activism and LGBTQ youth support just to name a few. We will continue to use our performances as a way to educate, energize and to instill pride and respect within and outside of our community.

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(the) fundamentalists

(the) fundamentalists, spawned in Detroit in 2003 and led by multi instrumentalist Chris Taylor, have their feet firmly planted in both the electronic and raw rock heritage of their home city. Their sound, infused with an unapologetic queer intensity has been variously described as “uplifting, world-weary, bludgeoning and ethereal; in short, both the silver lining and the cloud around it.” Whether performing one of their smart, thought provoking or body moving original songs or re-interpreting something from the past, (the) fundamentalists are a musical revelation that stays with the listener long after the last note has been played.

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Lacey Conner

Lacey Conner has been a major player in the music world for over a decade- most notably singing for Lords of Acid on their 2010 U.S. tour, and also as the singer and founder of her own band Nocturne. But what Lacey is best known for is her villainous ways on Vh1′s “Rock of Love”, and on Vh1′s “Charm School”. Lacey may be a villain on TV, but in real life, Lacey is an advocate of human rights, equality, and animal welfare.

Lacey is an animal advocate, a promoter of human rights and equality, and is a protector of the environment. She founded her own dog rescue organization, “Heroes K9 Rescue”, four years ago – where she rescues and re-homes shelter dogs that are scheduled to be euthanized. Lacey is also an accomplished musician, and has toured the country multiple times performing in front of tens of thousands of fans

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