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Charlotte Pride Main Stage
Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023, 12:30-11pm
Sunday, Aug. 20, 2023, 1-6pm
Saturday Headliner
BIG FREEDIA
Known as the larger-than-life ambassador of New Orleans Bounce music, Big Freedia is a nationally recognized hip-hop artist, TV personality and cultural influencer. Most recently she made headline news for her feature on Beyoncé’s Grammy-Award winning single, “Break My Soul,” released in 2022. Big Freedia’s ascension in the music industry was chronicled over six seasons in the highly rated reality show, “Big Freedia Bounces Back” from 2011-2016 on Fuse TV. A new series, “Big Freedia Means Business,” chronicling Freedia’s triumphs in music, business and life debuted June 7 on Fuse TV. Her most recent album, “Central City,” was released earlier this year.
with opening entertainment by
Trina
Trina’s music career started with a feature on Trick Daddy’s 1998 Top Five rap single “Nann.” In 2000, she released “Da Baddest Bitch,” her gold-certified debut. She released four subsequent Top 20 albums between 2002 and 2010. In 2013, she was listed in Billboard’s “31 Rappers Who Changed Hip-Hop.” Trina’s most recent album, “The One,” contains 15 tracks featuring artists such as Nicki Minaj, Kelly Price, Lil Wayne and DJ Khaled.
Sunday Headliner
Greyson Chance
Greyson Chance approaches his music with an author’s attention to detail and an inclination for elaboration. The Oklahoma-born singer, songwriter and pianist fills his music with rich narratives, metaphors and empathy. His most recent album, “Palladium,” was released September 2022 and gave Chance the platform to share his story and his artistry.
with opening entertainment by
Cassidy King
Pop artist and singer-songwriter Cassidy King is known for her intensely personal, poignant lyrism and pop-forward melodies. Many of her songs relay complex emotions, heartbreak and longing. Her top song, “Safe Places,” was released in 2020 and quickly grew King’s dedicated fanbase with its emotionally driven narrative and catchy tune. Her most recent single, “Can’t Be Friends,” was released in March of this year.
featuring your RuPaul’s Drag Race entertainers
On the Charlotte Pride Main Stage
Saturday, August 19, 2023
This year, two former contestants of the TV show “RuPaul’s Drag Race” will be gracing the Charlotte Pride main stage. Aja is a rapper and drag artist from Brooklyn who competed in season nine, as well as seasons three and eight of “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars.” Aja is also a recording artist with three albums, “BOX Office,” “Nail in the Coffin” and “CROWN.” Luxx Noir London competed on the 15th season of Drag Race. Luxx also releases music, with her most recent release titled “KILLER.”
Main Stage Featured Performers (More Updates to Come!)
Johnáe Thee Egyptian Goddess
Professional dancer, recording artist, tv personality, and model Johnáe Thee Egyptian Goddess originated from Liberty City, Miami, Florida. In 2020, Johnáe began writing songs and released her debut single, “Pwussy Bill Due,” in January 2020. The single went viral after becoming a TikTok dance and was added to rotation on Hilltop Radio. After the success of “Pwussy Bill Due” Johnáe began recording her debut album “Scorpionic,” which was released in 2021.
Courtney Lynn & Quinn
Courtney Lynn & Quinn, a married Americana-folk duo based in Wilmington, released their first EP “Remiss” in 2020. Inspired by artists such as Brandi Carlisle, Joseph and Grace Potter, their music centers around beautifully layered harmonies and thought-provoking lyrics.
John Levengood
With catchy lyrics and glittery fashion, John Levengood gains musical inspiration from the likes of Shania Twain and Britney Spears. His discography features upbeat Pride anthems with a focus on justice, equality and danceability.
Vanity House Showcase
The Vanity House is a Charlotte based collective of performers and talents. With talent such as Vanna Vanity, Ariana Venti, Riley Malicious and Erica Chanel, these performers are bound to raise the energy.
Janelle Sy’Mone
2019 Carolina Music Award winner, Janelle Sy’Mone has a fire inside her that ignites the stage! Her blend of sultry and powerful vocals have left concert-goers wanting to know more about this new and upcoming artist. Influenced by Anita Baker, Jill Scott and Tina Turner, Janelle Sy’Mone has a sound all her own. Sy’Mone’s debut album “GOOD GIRL” is set to be released August 3.
Big the Cat
Big the Cat has been making waves in Charlotte, NC’s local music scene. The band was founded by singer-songwriter Reed O’Neal and guitarist Zac Byrd in 2021 after years of friendship between the duo, who met at a tattoo shop. Since then, they have been honing their feel-good, emotional sound and released five singles.
KUZH
From a young age, KUZH was drawn to music and spent countless hours writing and performing her own songs. After a serious car accident, she turned to music as a way to cope with her new reality. KUZH’s music is a unique blend of genres, with elements of pop, rock, and hip-hop. Her lyrics are raw and honest, exploring themes of love, loss, and the human experience. KUZH’s music is a testament to the power of music to heal and inspire, and her story serves as an inspiration to many.
Doubting Thomas
It was 1990 when Doubting Thomas was added to the music scene. At a time when rock bands were strictly a boy’s club Doubting Thomas, proved that women musicians could carry instruments as well as a tune. Gina Stewart and Brenda Gambill not only broke down the clubs & coffeehouse doors they did it on their own terms. Along with Bill Carroll, Matthew Davenport, Michael Corrigan and Lenore Prisco, the group has carved out an impressive name for themselves. With soaring vocals laced together with melodies that never leave you, it can only truly be described as the sound of Doubting Thomas.
featuring your emcees and stage DJs
Shaine
O’Laine
Sat. Aug. 19: Flourish
Sun. Aug. 20: Main Stage
Malachi
Sat., Aug. 19: Main Stage
Sun. Aug. 20: Parade
Delighted Tobehere
Sun., Aug 20: Parade
Mrz. Ivy Carter
Sat., Aug. 19: Main Stage
DJ Vanna
Vanity
Sat. Aug. 19: VIP Experience
DJ WunderBread
Sat., Aug. 19: Main Stage
Sun. Aug. 20: VIP Experience
DJ Ghost
Sat., Aug 19: Main Stage
DJ MoreBreaksPlz
Sun., Aug. 20: Main Stage
DJ Marvy Marv
Sat. Aug. 19: VIP Experience
Charlotte Main Stage Schedule
Saturday, August 19
12:00pm — Opening Ceremony
12:30pm — Time Out Youth
1:00pm — KUZH
1:35pm — Courtney Lynn & Quinn
2:00pm — Doubting Thomas
2:25pm — Advocacy at Charlotte Pride (Bishop Tonyia Rawls, Freedom Center for Social Justice)
2:30pm — John Levengood
2:55pm — Advocacy at Charlotte Pride (Rhys Chambers, Human Rights Campaign)
3:00pm — b0s
3:30pm — Vanity House Showcase
4:00pm — Johnae The Egyptian Goddess
4:25pm — Advocacy at Charlotte Pride (Cameron Pruette, Freedom Center for Social Justice)
4:30pm — Janelle Sy’Mone
5:00pm — Charlotte Pride Awards (2023 Champions of Pride and Charlotte Pride Scholars)
5:30pm — Big the Cat
6:30pm — Rupaul’s Drag Race Revue with Aja the Kween & Luxx Noir London
7:00pm — Shadina
8:00pm — Trina
9:00pm — Big Freedia
Sunday, August 20
1:00pm — DJ MoreBreaksPlz
2:55pm — Advocacy at Charlotte Pride (Rev. Glencie Rhedrick, Charlotte Clergy Coalition for Justice)
3:00pm — 2023 Charlotte Pride Court & Charlotte Black Pride Court
4:00pm — Cassidy King
5:00pm — Greyson Chance
Entertainment Line-Up Subject to Change
Charlotte Pride Community Stage
presented by Charlotte Area Transit System
Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023, 12:30-6pm
featuring your stage DJ
DJ MoreBreaksPlz
Sat., Aug 19: Community Stage
featuring this year’s
Charlotte Pride Drag Pageant
Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023, 2:00-6pm
Join us at the CATS Community Stage for the 2023 Charlotte Pride Drag Pageant. For the first time, watch at the festival as some of the best local drag performers compete for the crowns of Mx. Charlotte Pride, Ms. Charlotte Pride, and Mr. Charlotte Pride.
Community Stage Schedule
Saturday, August 19
12:30pm — DJ MoreBreaksPlz
12:40pm — Q Michael
12:55pm — Advocacy at Charlotte Pride (Rev. Stefan Weathers, Democracy NC)
1:00pm — Charlotte Pride Drag Revue
1:50pm — Advocacy at Charlotte Pride (Equality NC)
2:00-6:00pm — Charlotte Pride Drag Pageant
Sunday, August 20
1:00-4:00pm — Bank of America Charlotte Pride Parade
Keeping You Safe
Charlotte Pride’s top priority is keeping you safe. We endeavor to ensure our event is a safe, fun, and celebratory event for all. Learn more about our COVID protocols, public safety precautions, and the monkeypox epidemic.
