Capital Pride Guide 2024

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2 • CAPITAL PRIDE 2024 We are thrilled to partner with Capital Pride to support the LGBTQ+ community in NY. Join the Hannaford team. Check out our career opportunities at Hannaford.com and ask about our benefits that support LGBTQ+ health and well being. Together, we’re greater than groceries. Hannaford is proud to have earned a 100 percent score on the Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality Index for over a decade.
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A SEASON OF PRIDE, MAY 5 – AUG. 24

SUNDAY, MAY 5

PRIDE 5K Rainbow Run & PAWRade

9am–1pm | Jennings Landing, 1 Quay St., Albany | $40

An Official Pride Center and In Our Own Voices Event! Registration begins at 9:00am at Jennings Landing, Rainbow Fun Run (0.62 miles; open to walkers and runners of all ages and abilities) at 10:00am, and 5K (3.1 miles) at 11:00am. Awards and prizes immediately following the 5K! Prizes will then be awarded to the top three participants in the female, male, and open gender categories, as well as the top three participants in the each age bracket. Also, wear your Rainbow Best! Awards for Individuals and Teams “Best Use of Rainbow.”

FRIDAY, MAY 31

Albany Flag Raising Ceremony

10am | Albany City Hall, 24 Eagle St., Albany | Free

An Official Pride Center and In Our Own Voices Event!

Join the Pride Center, In Our Own Voices, and Mayor Kathy Sheehan for a special ceremonial raising of rainbow flags to acknowledge and kick off PRIDE.

PRIDE Kick-Off Block Party

5–9pm | City Parking Lot #2, 76 Central Ave., Albany Free ($5 Suggested Donation)

An Official Pride Center and In Our Own Voices Event! This annual tradition that continues to get bigger and better each year! Come together with The Pride Center and In Our Own Voices as we officially kick off PRIDE with a BLOCK PARTY in the parking lot next to Waterworks Pub and ROCKS. Enjoy a fun evening with food, music, libations, and chances to win fun prizes. Get tickets to upcoming events and learn more about the festivals. Meet up with friends, new and old, as the community kicks off the 2024 PRIDE season, Block Party Style!

SATURDAY, JUNE 1

Saratoga Springs Flag Raising

11am | Saratoga Springs City Hall 474 Broadway

An Official Pride Center and In Our Own Voices Event! Join us at Saratoga Springs City Hall to raise the pride flag, take a photo, and kick off Pride Month!

Schenectady Pride 2024

2:00pm–7pm | 12 State St., Schenectady NY | Free

Schenectady Pride to host our 12th annual festival. Saturday, June 1 from 2:00pm to 7:00pm at Gateway Plaza at the Rainbow Pride Arches, next to SUNY Schenectady. Live entertainment, DJs, Drag show and more. Excited to bring back food, drink and merch vendors along with local non-profits and other friends.

Queer Game Night & D&D

5pm - 10pm | Cafe Euphoria 225 River St., Troy | Free BYO Board Games! Or use one of ours. If you want to hang out for several hours playing games with friends and new folks you meet here, please join us!

ROCKS Leather Pride

9pm–close | ROCKS, 77 Central Ave, Albany NY

Albany’s Weekend of Kink kicks off at Rocks with Leather Pride! Kinky demos, randy dudes, tasty drinks and the dimmest lights allowable by law! Our DJs will bring dark house beats followed by your classic queer favorites and the newest hits all night long. Leather encouraged (21+ to enter).

RuPaul’s Kerri Colby LIVE @ Waterworks Pub 11pm - 4am | Waterworks Pub, 76 Central Ave. Albany | $13

An Official Pride Center Event! Waterworks Pub monthly Illusions Party presents RuPaul’s Drag Race Star Kerri Colby. Your favorite bold diva invaded televisions around the world on Season 14 of RuPaul’s Drag Race. Fan favorite, Kerri Colby flawlessly slays em Colby style at Waterworks Pub, along with some of the area’s best drag queens, in a benefit for the Capital Pride Center (18+ to enter, 21+ to drink).

SUNDAY,

Glens Falls Pride

JUNE 2

12pm - 4pm | Glens Falls City Park, Bay St. Glens Falls NY | Free Lower Adirondack Pride will host the 2nd annual Glens Falls Pride Festival on Sunday, June 2, 2024, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. in Glens Falls City Park. Pride Parade, Drag Show and More.

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of
updated digital version of the Pride Guide can be found at 518capitalpride.com
*As
4/25/2024,

MONDAY, JUNE 3

Troy Flag Raising

10am | Troy Waterfront, Troy, NY | Free

An Official Pride Center and In Our Own Voices Event! Join your local LGBTQ+ leaders alongside leadership from the Pride Center of the Capital Region and In Our Own Voices in raising the Pride Flag to kick off Pride Month.

PRIDE Karaoke at Waterworks Pub

10pm | Waterworks Pub, 76 Central Ave., Albany | Free

Join us for PRIDE Karaoke. Don’t miss an evening of good times and great voices. This Capital PRIDE classic returns with Karaoke Wars; have fun donating cash to change a song, change a singer, or just give to a good cause! Proceeds benefit The Pride Center of the Capital Region.

TUESDAY, JUNE 4

Washington Park Flag Raising

6pm | Washington Park, Albany, NY | Free

An Official Pride Center and In Our Own Voices Event!

Join the Washington Park Conservancy alongside leadership from the Pride Center of the Capital Region and In Our Own Voices and Mayor Kathy Sheehan raise the Pride Flag to kick off Pride Month

ROCKS Pride Bingo Night

8–11pm | ROCKS, 77 Central Ave., Albany | Free

Pride Bingo at ROCKS, hosted by Frieda Munchon. Free to Play, one card per person. Donations accepted for the Pride Center of the Capital Region. (21+ to enter.)

Rainbow Karaoke at Oh Bar

9pm | Oh Bar, 302 Lark Street, Albany |Free

PRIDE Week Karaoke at OH Bar on Lark St. Join us for a fabulous night at Oh Bar! Karaoke, great Music Pool, Darts and fun for all. You will be sure to have an amazing time!

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5

Capital Pride Drag Wednesday at Waterworks Pub and ROCKS

10pm–12am | ROCKS, 77 Central Ave. 12am–4am | Waterworks Pub, 76 Central Ave., Albany | No Cover

Join the Pride Center for a fun PRIDE celebration of Drag at both ROCKS and Waterworks Pub. Performances from some of the area’s top drag queens. Rocks (21+ to enter) Waterworks Pub (18+ to enter, 21+ to drink.)

THURSDAY, JUNE 6

PRIDE Alive at Five

5–8pm | Jennings Landing, 1 Quay St., Albany |Free

The City of Albany presents the Kick-off of the 2024 Alive at Five signature concert series and recogizes Capital Pride at the annual Pride Alive at Five!

Vibes! Pride Ball @ Waterworks Pub

11pm | Waterworks Pub, 76 Central Ave. Albany | Free Vibes Pride Ball at Waterworks Pub, Great music with a variety of Vibes including R&B, top 40, latin and remixes all night long. Contests and performances from Albany’s best drag performers. (18+ to enter, 21+ to drink.)

FRIDAY, JUNE 7

HER Party at Oh Bar 9pm | Oh Bar, 302 Lark Street, Albany |Free

PRIDE Week and LGBTQ+ women go hand in hand! Join us for a fabulous night at Oh Bar! Great music Pool, Darts and fun for all. You will be sure to have an amazing time!

SATURDAY, JUNE 8

Say It Loud! BI POC* Pride 2024

Noon–5pm | Washington Park, Albany NY | Free

An In Our Own Voices Event! BI POC* Pride is our way of recognizing the contributions, resilience, and struggles of LGBTQIA + Black, Indigenous, & People of Color in the Capital Region through music, food and entertainment. Featuring INIKO and performances from many amazing local entertainers, a health & wellness expo, kids’ corner, and more.

Geek & Gaymer Pride “Renegades”

9pm – Close | ROCKS, 77 Central Ave., Albany | $10

ROCKS presents a Geek & Gaymer Pride special event “Renegades” Cosplay Pride Party .Hosted by Daniella Read. Saturday June 8th, 9pm - Close (21+ to enter.)

Rupaul’s Honey Davenport Live! @ BIPOC Pride — The Official After Party

10pm - 4am | Waterworks Pub, 76 Central Ave., Albany NY | $13

A Waterworks Pub and In Our Own Voices Event! Honey Davenport from Rupaul’s Drag Race S11 will be live at Waterworks Pub for the Official BIPOC Pride After-Party. Enjoy a night of music and dancing at Waterworks Pub with Honey, DJ Hasan and Albany’s best talent opening the show. (18+ to enter, 21+ to drink.)

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SUNDAY JUNE 9

2024 Capital PRIDE Parade

11:30am | State St. to Lark St. to Madison Ave. to Washington Park, Albany | Free

An Official Pride Center Event! The Capital PRIDE Parade steps off at 11:30am in Washington Park, led by the Community March, and is full of music, inspiration, and of course, a sense of celebration and unity! The Parade and March will feature Capital Region community members, elected officials supporting the LGBTQ+ community, businesses, organizations, allies, and of course amazing floats, music and dancing. Bring friends and set up on the Parade route to cheer on this amazing event! The parade route is along State St. to Lark St. to Madison Ave. to Washington Park, Albany NY.

2024 Capital PRIDE Festival

1–5pm | Washington Park, Albany | Free

An Official Pride Center Event! Don’t miss the largest PRIDE celebration in Upstate New York! The Capital Pride Festival headlined by the amazing Bonnie McKee. With performances by Hark, the Erin Harkes Band, Albany’s Annual Drag Revue and will be hosted and emceed by Comedian and Fly 92.3 DJ Shawn Gillie. With an amazing attendance, high energy, top notch entertainment, a family carnival zone, hundreds of vendors, including some of the area’s best food trucks, crafters, shops and merchants, as well as community groups the 2024 Capital PRIDE Festival is one of the region’s biggest and most highly anticipated events!

Capital PRIDE After Parties

5pm–? | Pride Center (332 Hudson Ave.), Waterworks Pub (76 Central Ave.), Oh Bar (304 Lark St.), ROCKS (77 Central Ave.)

Keep the celebration going at the official Capital PRIDE after parties! Unwind or heat up at on both floors at Waterworks Pub (18+ to enter, 21+ to drink), at Oh Bar (21+ to enter), ROCKS (21+ to enter).

FRIDAY, JUNE 14

Euphoria Furmeet

5pm - 9pm | Cafe Euphoria 225 River St., Troy | Free Check out the Capital Region’s furry fandom. We’re snakes, wolves, bunnies, rats, cheetahs, and so much more. Furries are very LGBTQ so come have dinner with us!

Alternative Prom!

6–9pm | Blake Annex, 1 Steuben St., Albany | $10 Cover at the Door (Ages 13-19)

An Official Pride Center Event! Join us for our 23nd annual Alternative Prom, a fun-filled evening for LGBTQ+ youth and their allies ages 19 and under. Come as you are, no judgments, to this amazing event! We hope you can come out to be a part of the action! Learn more about Center Youth at www.capitalpridecenter.org.

Planetary Pride- A Substance Free Event!

6–8:30pm | Museum of Innovation & Science 15 Museum Drive, Schenectady, NY 12308 | Free 18+

Are you ready for an Out of this World Experience?! Join us In Our Own Voices, New Choices Recovery Center, and miSci for food, interactive exhibits, and a Planetarium show in a safe, substance-free, fun, event. No Alcohol, Drugs, or Illegal Substances permitted! Planetarium show starts at 7pm!

SUNDAY JUNE 16

Euphoria Drag Brunch by House of Extreme 1pm - 3pm | Cafe Euphoria 225 River St., Troy | $13 Haus of Extreme presents the Euphoria Drag Brunch. Tickets ($13) available for advance purchase via, hausof-extreme.ticketleap.com. Food & beverages available to purchase, centered on our vegan/vegetarian options.

FRIDAY JUNE 21

Troy Pride Night Out & Block Party 5pm - ? | Downtown Troy, NY | Free Brighten Troy with your pride colors and flags. Support the many local LGBTQ businesses in Downtown Troy and celebrate your Pride at the first Pride Night Out Block Party. Every Troy Night Out, the streets of downtown come alive with music and culture beckoning you to discover local businesses, art galleries, fine restaurants, and unique boutiques of all varieties.

SATURDAY JUNE 22

Pride Day at the Troy Farmers Market 9am - 2pm | Monument Square, Troy | Free

Wear and show off your Pride Colors, stop by the Pride Center table and receive a prize and an opportunity for our raffle. Support local and LGBTQ-owned businesses. The Market has evolved into a shopping and community destination in the Capital Region and beyond, with close to 100 local, producer-only Vendors.

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*As of 4/25/2024, updated digital version of the Pride Guide can be found at 518capitalpride.com

Bethlehem Pride - Noon - 4pm | First United Methodist Church, 428 Kenwood Ave., Delmar NY | Free

Join us for this family-friendly celebration with live music, DJ, Drag Show and featuring headliner and local favorite, Sirsy! Rainbow Kid Zone, Bounce House, Face Painting, and Balloons. Diverse vendors and local organizations. BethlehemPride.com

Drag Cabaret & Story Hour for Kids

12pm - 2pm | The Huxley Theater, New York State Museum, 260 Madison Ave, Albany, NY | Free

Come to the museum for an afternoon of song and stories for kids of all ages sung and told in drag. Drag queens and kings are the epitome of dress-up, and that’s something all children understand. Drag isn’t dangerous, it is a creative and colorful way to express yourself. Join some of our favorite drag performers, led by hosts Frieda and Carmie, at the New York Musem for a fun-filled, fabulous, family show.

SUNDAY JUNE 23

Saratoga Pride Festival

2pm–5pm | High Rock Pavilion, Saratoga NY | Free

A Pride Center and Saratoga Pride event in High Rock Pavilion. Saratoga Pride has activities planned throughout the month of June, culminating in its annual Pride Festival, Sunday, June 23th, 2-5 pm at High Rock Park. Check out SaratogaPride.com, Facebook and Instagram for more details.

SUNDAY JULY 14

Collar City Pride

12pm - 5pm | Riverfront Park,Troy NY | Free

Collar City Pride’s Troy Pride Festival at Riverfront Park. Music, Performances, Yoga session, Family & Kids Craft area, Vendors Food and Fun for all ages. 12pm to 5pm

SATURDAY JULY 27

IOOV Elements House Ball

8:00pm - 12am | Albany Capital Center; 55 Eagle St Albany NY | Free 18+

And the category is... the Elements! Join us as the forces of nature -- water, earth, fire, air, and more -- battle it out with a night of vogue, self-expression, and music. Categories include vogue, realness, best dressed spectator, and more. Come to walk the runway, or simply enjoy the show! Show up early for free and confidential HIV/HCV testing by IOOV from 6:30PM - 8:00PM.

SATURDAY AUGUST 24

Aging with Pride Boat Cruise

11:30am - 3pm | 177 Front St.,Troy NY | 55+ Free, $40 under 55

The Pride Center of the Capital Region and In Our Own Voices present Aging with Pride Boat Cruise on the Captain JP in Troy.

The cruise will be free again for anyone 55+, and will also be available to anyone who wants to join 54 and under at the cost of $40. The boat will have passed food, a cash bar, drag queens on the open seas, and a DJ for plenty of dancing and memories to be made. Important note: LGBTQ+ folks of all ages, as well as supportive allies, are welcome to join in the fun!

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WWW.CAPITALPRIDECENTER.ORG • 15 JUN 08 12 PM -5 PM BIPOC Pride Washington Park (A�erparty@ Waterworks Pub) I I JUN 14 6 PM -9 PM Planetary Pride Substance-Free Event miSci, Schenectady 11:30 AM - 5 PM Capital Pride Parade & Festival Washington Park I JUN 21 5 PM Troy Pride Night Out Monument Square , , -----� , JUN 14 6 PM -9 PM Alt Prom The Blake Annex I I JUN 22 12 PM -4 PM Bethlehem Pride 428 Kenwood Ave, Delmar JUN JUN JUL 23 30 13 2 PM -5 PM Saratoga Pride High Rock Pavillion JUL 14 12 PM -4 PM Troy Pride Festival by Collar City Pride Riverfront Park 11 AM - 10 PM NYC Pride NYC JUL 27 8 PM - 12 AM Elements Ball Albany Capital Center, 55 Eagle St OF THE CAPITAL REGION 5 PM -9 PM AFRO Excellence Gala 7450 5th Ave, Troy AUG 24 11:30 AM -3 PM Aging With Pride Cruise Captain JP, Troy JUN 09 1
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18 • CAPITAL PRIDE 2024 518.434.4686 AllianceForPositiveHealth.org Fighting Inequities and Disparities

EMMANUEL FRIEDENS CHURCH

Welcoming people of all gender expressions and sexual orientations to worship and fellowship with us.

Proudly celebrating 26 years as a Welcoming, Open and Affirming Church

Worship Sundays at 10 am in-person or online 218 Nott Terrace, Schenectady, NY (518) 374-4114 ebcfried@nycap.rr.com, www.emmanuelfriedens.org

The Albany Med Health System promotes an inclusive culture of care in a workplace that is diverse and vibrant.

Thank you to The Pride Center of the Capital Region for your continued work to build a welcoming and empowering community for all of us.

albanymed.org

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20 • CAPITAL PRIDE 2024 PROUDSUPPORTEROFCAPITALPRIDE2024 PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY
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24 • CAPITAL PRIDE 2024
STOLI
USA, LLC, New
and Global
Limited, The Republic of Cyprus. © 2024. All rights reserved. STOLI and all other marks are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
STOLI
STOLI and all other marks are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
SAVOR RESPONSIBLY.
Vodka. 40% Alc./Vol. (80 proof). 100% Grain Neutral Spirits. US Distributor: Stoli Group
York, NY
Distributor: S.P.I. Spirits (Cyprus)
SAVOR RESPONSIBLY.
Vodka. 40% Alc./Vol. (80 proof). 100% Grain Neutral Spirits. US Distributor: Stoli Group USA, LLC, New York, NY and Global Distributor: S.P.I. Spirits (Cyprus) Limited, The Republic of Cyprus. © 2024. All rights reserved.
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Us PROUDSUPPORTEROFCAPITALPRIDE2024 PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY
Barefoot With

JUNE 6 - PRIDE NIGHT

JUNE 6 - PRIDE NIGHT

LET’S SING TAYLOR LET’S SING TAYLOR w/ SYDNEY WORTHLEY w/ SYDNEY WORTHLEY

JUNE 13 - CLASSIC ROCK

JUNE 13 - CLASSIC ROCK

DOKKEN DOKKEN w/ HARK w/ HARK

JUNE 20 - LATIN NIGHT

JUNE 20 - LATIN NIGHT

TITO PUENTE JR. TITO PUENTE JR. w/ BRONTE ROMAN w/ BRONTE ROMAN

JUNE 27 - POP NIGHT

JUNE 27 - POP NIGHT

VANESSA CARLTON VANESSA CARLTON w/ CANELLA w/ CANELLA

FREE - ALL AGES - 4:30PM

JENNINGS LANDING - ALBANY, NY

From the Mayor CITY

OF ALBANY

JULY 11 - HIP HOP NIGHT

JULY 11 - HIP HOP NIGHT

KRS-ONE KRS-ONE w/ DJ SHOW & OHZHE w/ DJ SHOW & OHZHE

JULY 18 - REGGAE NIGHT

JULY 18 - REGGAE NIGHT

THIRD WORLD THIRD WORLD w/ UPSTATE REGGAE POSSIE w/ UPSTATE REGGAE POSSIE

JULY 25 - INDIE NIGHT

JULY 25 - INDIE NIGHT

THE RECORD COMPANY THE RECORD COMPANY w/ SIRSY w/ SIRSY

AUGUST 1 - FUNK NIGHT AUGUST 1 - FUNK NIGHT

GALACTIC GALACTIC w/ HILLTOP w/ HILLTOP

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WWW.CAPITALPRIDECENTER.ORG • 29 Proud to support Capital PRIDE and communities through Capital District. Highmark Blue Shield of Northeastern New York is a trade name of Highmark Western and Northeastern New York Inc., an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. If you or a loved one find yourself with a cancer diagnosis, the experts at New York Oncology Hematology are here to help you continue your story. Contact us today to schedule an appointment or a second opinion. Cancer is one chapter in your story. Albany • Albany Med • Amsterdam • Clifton Park • Hudson • Troy Visit newyorkoncology.com to learn more.
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WWW.CAPITALPRIDECENTER.ORG • 31 Proudly Completing ALL Families Since 1887 3 Oakland Avenue, Menands mohawkhumane.org
32 • CAPITAL PRIDE 2024 Emmanuel Baptist Church of Albany 275 State Street, Albany, NY www.emmanuelalbany.org office@emmanuelalbany.org Worship Sundays at 10 AM In-person and on Zoom vedCommunity ofCho We areall membersofGod’ s
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WWW.CAPITALPRIDECENTER.ORG • 35 www.uhpp.org | 1.800.230.PLAN (7526)
36 • CAPITAL PRIDE 2024 Pioneer Community Pioneer is proud to support the Pride Center of the Capital Region in moving the community All Together Forward SM pioneerny.com

We are proud to support the vibrant and diverse LGBTQ+ community during this year’s Pride festivities.

First New York is thrilled to announce our Senior Membership Development Officer, Michelle LaVoy, is one of the newest members of The Pride Center of Capital District’s Board of Directors!

This is a remarkable achievement and a testament to your exceptional skills, dedication, and leadership. We look forward to witnessing your impact and vision as you take on this influential role. Once again, congratulations!

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Congratulations Michelle!
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spread spread love love

TOGETHER TOGETHER

WWW.CAPITALPRIDECENTER.ORG • 39 VISIT TOGETHERFORYOUTH.ORG VISIT TOGETHERFORYOUTH ORG
FORMERLY BERKSHIRE FARM CENTER STAND
C E L E B R A T E L G B T Q + Y O U T H

IN OUR OWN VOICES, INC. PRESENTS

*CELEBRATING LGBTQIA+ BLACK, INDIGENOUS, AND PEOPLE OF COLOR

SATURDAY, JUNE 8th • 12-5PM

WASHINGTON PARK • ALBANY, NEW YORK

FEATURING

HEALTH & WELLNESS EXPO

A BIG GAY MARKET

FOOD & VENDORS

KIDS CORNER

LOCAL PERFORMERS

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SAY IT LOUD!
2024
INIKO
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WWW.CAPITALPRIDECENTER.ORG • 43 DRAFT

About the Entertainment

Bonnie McKee doesn’t just write and sing pop songs. She creates bright, bold, bombastic bops meant to be bumped at eleven on the way to the best night of your life. A rush of energy surges through her colorful anthems about the crush you can’t have, the ex you don’t miss, and the dream you’re just about to make real. As a songwriter, her pen has powered GRAMMY® Award-nominated diamond-certified generational hits. As an artist, her voice has enchanted a devout and diehard audience around the globe. Now, she finally invites everyone into her world with her 2024 full-length offering, Hot City.

“Hot City is a blissful and carefree imaginary destination,” she elaborates. “This body of work is about chasing dreams and looking for paradise. Even if you feel like an underdog, you can pursue your goals and hopefully succeed against all odds. Personally, I hope to reach Hot City someday. The closer I get to sharing the album, the more excited I get.”

Growing up in California, she fell in love with music as a kid. She was moved by a Tina Turner documentary that brought her to tears, and she cites watching the making of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” music video as a core memory. Starting as a classically trained singer and pianist, she spent her formative years singing, training and learning to transform her poetry into the genre she would later make her mark in- Power Pop.

Igniting her career, she made a stiletto-deep imprint on pop as one of the game’s most sought-after songwriters. She’s co-written ten number one songs, including the RIAA

Diamond-certified smashes “California Gurls” and “Roar,” with Katy Perry, garnering a GRAMMY® Award nomination in the category of “Song of the Year” for the latter. Simultaneously, her discography grew to include the likes of the double-platinum “Hold It Against Me” by Britney Spears and the platinum “C’Mon” by Ke$ha in addition to songs for Cher, Christina Aguilera, Kelly Clarkson, Bebe Rexha, Jason Derulo, Kygo, and Adam Lambert, to name a few.

Along the way, she amplified her solo artistry. She packed houses on tour coastto-coast, graced the stages of hallowed venues like The Hollywood Bowl, and lit up festivals like Coachella and Pink Pop. Her 2015 Bombastic EP emerged as a cult favorite highlighted by the title track, which garnered over 20 major film and TV placements. Plus, she notably established herself as an auteur, writing, producing, directing, and starring in the 2020 award-winning short film April Kills The Vibe.

Bonnie had initially recorded Hot City under a previous major label deal. Faithful fans had experienced a handful of the tracks live and obsessed over rare leaks, giving the LP a near-mythic status. In 2020, Bonnie stumbled upon a “500 page-long forum” where fans clamored for the album, encouraging her next move.

“Since I hadn’t put out a project for so long, I wanted to re-engage my fans and let them know I’m listening to them,” she smiles. “They gave me the confidence to believe in those songs again. So, I decided to re-record them. Now, I own the masters. It’s been a triumphant feeling.”

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Thattriumphant spirit courses through songs such as “SLAY.” Blown away by the track’s “weapons-grade hooks,” The FADER touted it as a “Song You Need.” Rolling Stone noted, “The album has stood the test of time and fits into the early-2010s pop nostalgia that has overtaken much of the internet.” Throughout 2023, she maintained this momentum with “Hot City” and “Don’t Get Mad Get Famous.” Moreover, she not only directed and starred in all of the respective visuals, but she also curated, casted, produced, and engineered it from the ground up- even building the sets with her bare hands.

The 2024 single “Jenny’s Got A Boyfriend” sees Bonnie turn up the heat. On the track, neon synths glow and the bass pulsates in time with slick claps as she lusts after her friend’s man.

“I had a friend with a painfully hot boyfriend who was a terrible flirt,” she laughs. “Nothing every happened of course, but he’d flirt with me and just about anyone who looked his way. Every girl in our friend group was convinced he was into them! I always loved the song ‘Jessie’s Girl’ and decided to do a female version, but instead of just longing for my bestie’s boyfriend, it was a direct response to his Casanova behavior.”

Then, there’s “Forever 21.” Video game-style keys beep and bloop as she paints a vivid picture of youth-gone-a-little-toowild, “Cuz I’ll take whatever keeps me numb. I’ll stay Forever 21.”

“It was originally inspired by my old assistant who went on a shopping spree with my credit card at Forever 21,” she goes on. “I recognized myself in her. She had a drinking problem, so did I. It’s about being in blissful denial that I was an alcoholic. Even though it sounds like a sparkly pop song, it explores feelings of shame and being a fuckup. It was a cathartic experience and an important step towards admitting I had a problem.”

Completing her vision, she added the newly recorded “Snatched” to Hot City. Laced with an upbeat groove, her flirty and fiery delivery instantly turns heads as she proclaims, “I’m snatched for the rapture.”

“It’s an ode to the drag community,” she says. “It’s a total flex, and it basically says, ‘I’m hot, and I know it’. I’ve always had a lyrical brain and wished I could experiment with more of a stream of consciousness rap structure, where I could explore whatever nonsensical out the box rhymes that came to me. So this was a fun departure from my more traditional narrative driven lyrical style.”

In epic fashion, Hot City concludes on the swooning ballad “Love Spell.” Strings swirl around the sparse piano as she showcases her skyscraping range.

“At the time, I was in a tumultuous relationship with a person I couldn’t imagine living without,” she continues. “My brand of pop music is typically more driven by rhythm and tidy melodies, but it felt right to let the unhinged emotions and desperation of the lyric inform a more complex, intrcate melody. It’s also rare that I get to really show off my vocal range, so it was nice to let go of the perfect pop structure and indulge in my inner diva. I can’t wait to perform it.”

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About the Entertainment

HARK

Hark, formerly the Erin Harkes Band. “Local favorite Erin Harkes has been called the busiest woman in show biz (NYS Music). She is regularly voted Best Singer/Songwriter, Solo Musician and Comedian in the Capital Region by the Times Union Reader’s Poll and The Alt. She took home the 2020 Thomas Edison Award for Best Solo/Duo Artist of the Year. Her music comes from triumphs over tragedy, always with a resounding theme of resilience, and with a voice that’s been compared to Stevie Nicks and Janis Joplin.”

SHAWN GILLIE - HOST

The ‘Twenty-nine-year’ old (shut up) Shawn Gillie is a mobile DJ specializing in weddings and a travel agent with his own agency called Gillie’s Getaways. He is also an On-Air personality for FLY 92.3 and DJs Saturday Nights downstairs in The Pub at Waterworks Pub. Shawn says he’ll do anything to not have to go out and get a real job.” He loves traveling all over the world, vodka, and extremely short walks on the beach. You can find out more about Shawn on his website shawngillie. com

DJ RVMBA

Sonia Sandoval is amultimedia artist born in the vibrant country of Colombia, Sonia has traveled the world exploring music and culture. She has performed in NYC, Australia across the Capital Region in upstate New York, western Massachusetts and Vermont. DJ RVMBA can be heard all around the capital district including Waterworks Pub and Margarita City.

46 • CAPITAL PRIDE 2024
CAPITAL PRIDE DRAG
Philly Pina Mor’Glamazon Opal Essence Paris Lurux Amanda Blair Stella Progress Starling Silver Regina Sapphire Portabella SING OUT FOR PRIDE, LOUISE!
REVUE
WWW.CAPITALPRIDECENTER.ORG • 47 A place where you can be you. Hannaford is a place where you can be you. And we offer a variety of benefits that support the health and well being of the LGBTQ+ community. Join us!
Fitzgerald
Taylor, Bakery Manager
At your local Hannaford WE’RE HIRING! Join the Hannaford team. Check out our career opportunities at Hannaford.com. Hannaford is proud to have earned a 100 percent score on the Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality Index for over a decade. WATCH THESE HANNAFORD ASSOCIATE STORIES VIEW HANNAFORD’S PARTNERSHIP WITH THE PRIDE CENTER
Jessica Cucchi, Store Manager

SCHENECTADY PRIDE

JUNE 1ST 2024 ⋅ 2-7PM | GATEWAY PLAZA ⋅ 12 STATE ST.

CELEBRATINGSTRONG ROOTSINTHECOMMUNITY

FOOD ⋅ DRAG PERFORMERS ⋅

COMMUNITY TABLES ⋅ GIVEAWAYS ⋅

ENTERTAINMENT FT GIRL LOVE & HARLEY FOXX ⋅ LOCAL PERFORMERS ⋅

CRAFT VENDORS ⋅ DYNASTY

WRESTLING & MORE

48 • CAPITAL PRIDE 2024
WWW.CAPITALPRIDECENTER.ORG • 49 U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor We educated, privileged lawyers have a professional and moral duty to represent the underrepresented in our society, to ensure that justice exists for all. Paid for by Kindlon for DA www.kindlonforalbanyda.com
50 • CAPITAL PRIDE 2024 D e d i c a t e d t o Y o u. VOTE tuesday, june 25th--democratic primary polls open 6 am-9 pm Paid for by Reidy for Assembly www.reidyforassembly.com
WWW.CAPITALPRIDECENTER.ORG • 51 BANK BORROW Federally Insured by NCUA. SUNMARK.ORG 866-SUNMARK
52 • CAPITAL PRIDE 2024

Thank you to our 2024 Sponsors who helped make Capital PRIDE possible!

Presenting Sponsor

Hannaford Supermarkets

Premier Level Sponsor

Regeneron

Platinum Level Sponsor

Broadview FCU

Empire Merchants North

- Barefoot Wines

- Jack Daniels Fire

- Stoli Vodka

- 1800

Diamond Level Sponsor

City of Albany

DeCrescente Distributing Company

First New York Credit Union

Waterworks Pub

Rainbow Level Sponsor

Eddy Alzheimers Services

NYSTEC

Gold Level Sponsor

Alliance for Positive Health

Berkshire Bank

Broadview FCU

CDTA

Empire State Development

Keybank

Price Chopper / Market 32

TD Bank

Transfinder

Media Sponsor

WMHT

The Spot 518

KISS 102.3 I Heart Radio

*As of 5/15/2024,

Silver Level Sponsor

Alzheimer’s Association

Copps, DiPaola, & Silverman Law Firm

CSEA

Fidelis HealthCare

FLY92.3

Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield

Margarita City

MVP Healthcare

New York Oncology Hematology

Proctor’s

ROCKS

Schoharie Dental

Sunmark Credit Union

United Healthcare

United Way of the Greeater Capital Region

Whitney Young Health

Bronze Level Sponsor

ADUSA Distribution

Albany Med Health System

Albany Parking Authority

Alpin Haus

Barclay Damon

Dept of Veterans Affairs

Floor & Décor

Hinckley, Allen & Snyder

Mark Gray Enterprises

Measurable SEO

Mohawk Hudson Humane Society

Mohawk Ambulance Service

New York Power Authority

NYS Office of Victim Services

Oh Bar

Pepsi Co

Pioneer Bank

Purshe Kaplan & Sterling

Rivers Casino

Tremont Rentals

Tri-City Valley Cats

Unity House of Troy

Upper Hudson Planned Parenthood

WWW.CAPITALPRIDECENTER.ORG • 53
can be
updated digital version of the Pride Guide
found at 518capitalpride.com
54 • CAPITAL PRIDE 2024 Call theater | films | concerts | clubs | dance art exhibits | comedy | local events | festivals family fun | education | businesses the area’s entertainment resource /thespot518 @spotnewsfeed @thespot518 social media VOLUNTEER WHERE YOU FEEL WELCOME supporting causes that matter to you! Rotarians are members and allies of the LGBTQIA+ Community Scan to find a club near you!
WWW.CAPITALPRIDECENTER.ORG • 55
56 • CAPITAL PRIDE 2024 God is proud of you. Sunday Worship + 9:30 AM 303 Sand Creek Road, Albany stjohnsalbany.org Albany Unitarian Universalist 405 Washington Ave., Albany NY 12206 www.albanyuu.org Affirming and promoting the worth and dignity of every person

We are proud to support the Pride Center of the Capital Region’s mission to welcome, support and empower the LGBTQ+ community.

Enjoy the 2024 Capital PRIDE Parade and Festival!

WWW.CAPITALPRIDECENTER.ORG • 57
Celebrating All Families! Vote Tues.,
25 Polls Open 6 a.m.-9 p.m. Paid for by Czajka for Family Court www.czajkaforfamilycourt.com
June
58 • CAPITAL PRIDE 2024 Care
We understand the impact of caregiving on our LGBTQ+ community. We take Pride in encouraging anyone to reach out for safe & inclusive support. We offer free educational programs, support groups, meetings with a dementia care specialist and 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900. Visit alz.org/lgbtq to learn more. CARE FOR ALL We are proud to support our LGBTQ Community by providing a wide range of free services for those navigating living with or caring for someone with dementia. Learn how we can help: (518) 238-4164 AlzCareNY.com
with Pride

Dedicated. Reliable. Professional.

WWW.CAPITALPRIDECENTER.ORG • 59
Mohawk Ambulance is proud to support
60 • CAPITAL PRIDE 2024
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WWW.CAPITALPRIDECENTER.ORG • 67

COLLAR CITY PRIDE

TROY PRIDE FESTIVAL

JULY 14TH

RIVERFRONT PARK, TROY 12-5 PM

JULIA ALSARRAF

MC TYPHOID MARY

DJ LOVELY CANDELA

PERFORMING ARTIST 'ZAY

Together, we can do more. Broadview is proud to support diversity, equality, and inclusion in our workplace and throughout our community.

68 • CAPITAL PRIDE 2024
Yoga Sessions Vendors, Food & Fun Masks Provided & Encouraged Family & Kids Craft Area
WWW.CAPITALPRIDECENTER.ORG • 69
one open door can open doors across a community.

Our most important work happens outside the four walls of our bank. KeyBank gets involved to help keep our communities full of hope and opportunity.

©2023 KeyCorp. KeyBank Member FDIC. 221108-1326908-1256708103

70 • CAPITAL PRIDE 2024
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72 • CAPITAL PRIDE 2024 Love is Love! In Our Hearts. In Our Homes. And, In Our Courts. Paid for by the Committee to Elect Deborah Kearns www.kearnsforsurrogate.com OVS is proud to support Capital PRIDE 2024!
We're All Family Paid for by Friends of Kent Sopris www.soprisforassembly.com
74 • CAPITAL PRIDE 2024 BARCLAYDAMON.COM ALBANY BOSTON BUFFALO NEW HAVEN NEW YORK ROCHESTER SYRACUSE WASHINGTON DC TORONTO 80 State Street, Albany, NY 12207 | 518.429.4200 IS A PROUD SPONSOR OF Capital Pride 2024 I S P R O U D T O S U P P O R T I S P R O U D T O S U P P O R T C A P I T A L P R I D E 2 0 2 4 ! C A P I T A L P R I D E 2 0 2 4 ! S E N A T O R S E N A T O R N E I L B R E S L I N N E I L B R E S L I N 46th District Quality health coverage. It’s Our Mission. (1-888-343-3547) TTY: 711
WWW.CAPITALPRIDECENTER.ORG • 75
76 • CAPITAL PRIDE 2024 PrEP Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV Prevention 518-262-6923
WWW.CAPITALPRIDECENTER.ORG • 77 362 State St ⬥ Albany, NY ⬥ firstpresalbany.org HAPPY P RIDE!
Persons of any gender identity or sexual orientation, of all economic and ethnic groups, and differing abilities Join us - Sundays at 10:30 am (9:30 am during the summer) Check out our Worship Services on Facebook Live
PROUD TO WELCOME
78 • CAPITAL PRIDE 2024
WWW.CAPITALPRIDECENTER.ORG • 79 There’s no better feeling than feeling accepted for who you are.  We’re proud of our multi-year support of organizations creating LGBTQ2+ inclusive spaces that help combat isolation — like CenterLink, the Loft, and others. Because everybody deserves to feel included. Learn more at td.com/foreverproud #ForeverProudForeverProgressing Member FDIC I ©2024 TD Bank, N.A. and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. The TD logo and other trademarks are owned by The Toronto-Dominion Bank and used under license.
80 • CAPITAL PRIDE 2024 JUMP START YOUR CAREER Transfinder is a top workplace that celebrates diversity in our workforce... and we are looking for you!  Competitive Salaries  Latest Technology  Work-life Balance  Team Focused Transf inder is growing and expanding. Discover more at transfinder.com/careers

Colonie Senior Service Centers, Inc is proud to support The Pride Center

Colonie Senior Service Centers, Inc. prides itself with providing premier independent senior (55+) living communities

Come see our beautiful community at The Beltrone Living Center, 6 Winners Circle, Albany, adjacent to The Crossings of Colonie and close to many attractions including restaurants and shopping.

It is better at The Beltrone. Call 518-459-2711 to schedule a private tour.

The Beltrone Living Center is owned and operated by:

Senior Service Centers, Inc. 6 Winners Circle, Albany, NY 12205

Aging with Pride

Colonie Senior Service Centers, Inc. is excited to partner with the Pride Center of the Capital Region to help host Aging with Pride, a monthly group for LGBTQ+ folks 55+ to allow participants to connect with each other and build community in an safe and accepting space. Join us every 3rd Friday of the month from 10:00 to 12:00 noon at The Beltrone Living Center, 6 Winners Circle, Albany Expect music, fun, camaraderie, and a lot of love and support! Attendees are able to make a reservation and stay for lunch afterwards.

Colonie
www colonieseniors org CSSC, Inc. was established in 1981 as duly authorized 501(c)3 not-for-profit corporation.
82 • CAPITAL PRIDE 2024
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