Pridefest 2011 Stage Lineup
Emcee, Gosh Alice Jones
She’s been keeping Mankato Pridefest on our feet since nearly the beginning. She’s our one and only, and will be bringing her Gosh Alice style and form to Riverfront Park once again. Not only will she keep us on schedule but she’ll bring the fun and fabulousness.
11:45am. It Came From the 80′s
Bringing back the 80s with live electronica, remixes and mashups including sampled sound from 80s movies, TV, and video games. Ocho and Starr Mackenzie will make you “Want to dance with somebody,” “All Night Long!”
12:30pm. MSU’s cast of “Rent”
Minnesota State University’s theater department’s cast of Jonathon Larson’s tony winning broadway hit “Rent” take the stage and remind us that there is no day like today to celebrate our community. This modern version of the opera La Boheme is an emotionally stirring story of a community of young artists struggling to live and celebrate life.
1pm. Ellis
Ellis may not yet be a household name, but once you’ve seen her perform you’re not likely to forget her. Described as a mix of folk artist, dharma teacher, and comedienne, her music is best described by the effect it has on her audience rather than a particular genre. Simply put, she leaves audiences better than she finds them, with softened edges & opened hearts. With compelling songwriting and engaging performances, Ellis is quietly amassing a loyal following of supporters across the country
1:45pm. Rakstar Fusion Belly Dancers
RakStar Fusion Bellydancers are based in Mankato, MN. The troupe specializes in Middle Eastern dance forms, but also draws influence from Bollywood, Indian, African, and contemporary fusion styles of dance. RakStar Fusion are staples of Mankato Pridefest and offer dynamic, energetic performances, which include group choreographies, improvisation, solos, duets, and audience participation.
2:15pm. Gender Bender Performances
Many of your favorite Kings and Queens take the stage for some gender-bending performances you won’t forget! Electra Dupri, Alicia Moore, Jol D. Principal, Gosh Alice Jones, and Taiyo impress and mesmerize with some fabulous and unforgettable moves.
3:15pm. The Big Strong Men
The Big Strong Men were always going to happen. They already have happened and will happen again. Out of the ashes of a youth spent with dusty old film scores and shadows of presidents past, Philly and Ben emerged with a clear, unyielding vision of things to come. They saw it too clearly and fled to hide in the tide pools of language and harmony. As the waters rushed in, two strangers emerged dry from the manic sea, Joe and Jon. The rhythm section encountered the wide-eyed romantics. At first, chaos. Out of that chaos emerged a solitary crystal testament, one that would guide them through the rivers to beyond. Whether it was music that made the difference is not the question, but whether difference needed to be made at all.
4:15pm. Jettison Juliet
Jettison Juliet is an all-female rock project from St. Paul, MN. They emerged on the scene in July 2011 opening for Sick of Sarah and Hunter Valentine. With catchy lyrics, driving melodies, and all origional meterial, these ladies are poised to prove that rocking out has nothing to do with gender.
