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THE UNOFFICIAL GUIDE TO
CENTRAL ALABAMA PRIDE WEEK
2014
MAY 31 - JUNE 8, 2014 WHAT YOU WILL FIND INSIDE:
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS LOCATION MAP ABOUT THE HEADLINERS DINING & NIGHTLIFE CHEAT SHEET
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F
orty five years ago, the Stonewall Riots in New York City left an indelible mark in American history for giving birth to what is now known as the nucleus of the civil rights movement for the LGBTQ community. In every major city in America, celebrations big and small are hosted to commemorate that important benchmark in America’s timeline. Birmingham, Ala, home to the civil rights movement, has been a part of that narrative for the last thirty years. Since 1989, Pride organizers – now led by Central Alabama Pride, Inc. (CAP), have hosted observances in the month of June that celebrate the heritage and legacy of Alabama’s LGBTQ community while also providing the community a slew of festivities that help strengthen relationships and raises awareness of the impact LGBTQ people have made in society.
today that’s held at Sloss Furnances, Central Alabama Pride Week continues to grow by leaps and bounds. Today, CAP’s Pride Week stands as the oldest and largest LGBTQ celebration in the state of Alabama. With internationallyknown pop star Taylor Dayne and comedic playwright/ film producer Del Shores headlining this year’s festivities, CAP Pride Week promises to break new ground. This year’s motto is Pride Without Prejudice: I Am Pride. The powerful mantra serves as an important reminder of the progress that’s being made in LGBTQ rights across the country and will certainly provide inspiration to those who are hoping for a better, progressive and more accepting Alabama.
There’s something to do every day from May 31 to June 8. Check out our exclusive eight-page guide to see all the From its humble beginnings with “A Day happenings and to read up on this in the Park” to the all-day PrideFest of year’s schedule of events.
2014 Central Alabama Pride Staff Kyle Pugh, President Chrys Black, Vice President Renée McCullers, Secretary Don Mills, Treasurer Gil Mobley, Member at Large Brittney Barnett, Member at Large
Christopher Campbell, Member at Large Joshua Glenn, Member at Large Kevin McWhorter, Member at Large Shelia Stephens, Member at Large Jesse O’ Dell, Auxiliary Board Member Chance Fagen, Auxiliary Board Member
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Schedule Of Events
Saturday, May 31 1st Annual CAP Celebrity Softball Game
Bases will be loaded when some of the region’s softball players, entertainers, community leaders and titleholders compete in a fun game of softball. George Ward Park Softball Complex (Field 6) 329 Green Springs Avenue South Birmingham, AL 35205 1:00 p.m. $5 player fee, free to the public
‘Family Matters’ Tour This exhibit features the photography of Carolyn Shearer (Living in Limbo) and the personal narratives of local LGBTQ youth describing their views on family acceptance. Birmingham Civil Rights Institute 520 16th Street North Birmingham, AL 35203 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (205) 322-4197 ext. 13
Ecumenical Prayer Service Representatives from various backgrounds of faith will gather for a special service of prayer and music Highlands United Methodist Church 1045 South 20th Street Birmingham, AL 35205 5:30 p.m.
Sunday, June 1 Family Picnic in the Park This special gathering remains one of the oldest traditions in Birmingham’s Pride Week. Fun games, food & more. Rushton Park 31st Street & Highland Avenue South Birmingham, AL 35205 1:00 p.m.
Titleholders Command Performance Past and present CAP titleholders will reunite to show off their talent. All tips and donations raised will go to Central Alabama Pride, Inc.
Al’s on Seventh 2627 Seventh Avenue South Birmingham, AL 35233 8:00 p.m. (205) 321-2812
CAP Hosts BAO Bingo CAP will host one of the biggest bingo events of the year. Six games, door prizes and more. Ages 19+. Please reserve tables in advance to guarantee a seat. $15 for five games, $1 for bonus sixth game Birmingham AIDS Outreach 205 32nd Street South #101 Birmingham, AL 35233 7:00 p.m. (205) 322-4197
Tuesday, June 3 Cosmic Bowling Rainbow lights, hot music and endless rounds of bowling. Brunswick Riverview Lanes 2908 Riverview Road Birmingham, AL 35242 9:00 p.m. - 12 a.m. (205) 991-3900
Wednesday, June 4 PFLAG and Equality Alabama presents Birmingham Brings Broadway Created and directed by JJ Marrs, this Broadway tribute spectacular will feature performances from Carl Dean, Kristi Tingle Higginbotham, Jan Hunter, Lonnie Parsons and Jenna Sayqua. A red carpet gala is scheduled to take place 6:00 p.m. - 6:45 p.m., with wine and hors d’oeuvres, plus VIP seating during the show. Dorothy Jemison Theater - Alabama School of Fine Arts 800 19th Street North Birmingham, AL 35203 7:00 p.m. $15 - $75 (205) 490-2345 www.bhambringsbroadway.com
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Pride Idol Finals The finalists in Pride Idol 2014 will compete for the title. The crowned winner will perform at Sloss Furnaces before this year’s headliner, Taylor Dayne. Al’s on Seventh 2627 Seventh Avenue South Birmingham, AL 35233 9:00 p.m.
Thursday, June 5
entertainment by comedian/actor/writer/director Del Shores. Carver Theater 1631 4th Avenue North Birmingham, AL 35203 7:30 p.m. (205) 327-9424 $20 www.steelcitymenschorus.org
Saturday, June 7
Pride Skate
CAP Pride Mardi Gras Style Parade
Bounce, rock, skate, roll! Put on your rollerskates and take a funky trip down memory lane. DJ Gil will be supplying the playlists.
An annual tradition since 1989, the Mardi Gras-themed Pride parade is attended by thousands of people and remains one of the highlights during Central Alabama Pride Week. Decorated floats and appearances from sponsors and local celebrities will be in attendance. The one-mile parade route begins at Highland Avenue and will wrap up at Seventh Avenue South in front of Our Place and Stillwater Pub. Free and open to the public.
Skates 280 7043 Meadowlark Drive Birmingham, AL 35242 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Five Points South Birmingham, AL 8:30 p.m.
Friday, June 6 BAGSLY’s Anything Goes Costume Youth Bash
Sunday, June 8
A Pride prom geared to youth and young adults in college. Attendees are encouraged to wear a costume, gowns or tux.
PrideFest 2014 An all-day celebration of gay pride. Taylor Dayne, best known for Top Ten hits like “Love Will Lead You Back,” “Tell It To My Heart” and “I’ll Always Love You,” will close the event. Expect live music, food trucks, comedy from Del Shores, drag performances, plenty of vendors and a special appearance from the crowned winner of Pride Idol 2014.
Magic City Acceptance Center 412 37th Street South Birmingham, AL 35222 7:00 p.m. - 10 p.m. (205) 322-4197
Del Shores featuring Steel City Men’s Chorus
Sloss Furnaces 20 32nd Street North Birmingham, AL 35222 12 noon (205) 324-1911
Pride Week 2014’s gala features a special concert featuring music from the Steel City Men’s Chorus, followed by
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LOCATION MAP Locations for CAP Pride 2014 events are marked by number. See schedule of events on pages 3 and 4 for dates, times and additional information.
1. George Ward Park Softball Complex
7. Brunswick Riverview 280
2. Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
8. Dorothy Jemison Theater @ Alabama School of Fine Arts
2908 Riverview Road
329 Green Springs Avenue South
520 16th Street North
800 19th Street North
3. Five Points South
9. Skates 280
Highlands United Methodist Church CAP Mardi Gras Style Parade
7043 Meadowlark Drive
10. Magic City Acceptance Center 412 37th Street South
4. Rushton Park
31st Street & Highland Avenue South
11. Carver Theater
1631 4th Avenue North
5. Al’s on Seventh
12. Sloss Furnaces
2627 Seventh Avenue South
20 32nd Street North
6. Birmingham AIDS Outreach 205 32nd Street South #101
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ABOUT THE PERFORMERS Taylor Dayne Performing at pridefest 2014 (Sunday, Sloss Furnaces)
W
ith a voice as big as Mariah Carey and soulful as Teena Marie, Taylor Dayne mesmerized the pop and dance charts during the late Eighties and throughout most of the Nineties. Born Leslie Wunderman in Long Island, New York, Dayne rose up the ranks after signing with Arista Records and wowing the ears of music executive Tommy Motolla. Her first big hit, “Tell It To My Heart,” broke out in the top ten of the Billboard dance charts, quickly turning her into a major star on the emerging dance-pop scene. Her debut album proved to be a stunning feat, yielding a stunning four top Ten Ten hits: “Tell It To My Heart” (#7); “Prove Your Love” (#7); “I’ll Always Love You” (#3) and “Don’t Rush Me” (#2). She also peaked in international markets like Germany, Switzerland, Australia, the Netherlands while also crossing over to the Adult Contemporary charts, thanks to her moving soul-inspired ballads. Her follow-up albums, Can’t Fight Fate and Soul Dancing, continued her trajectory of hits with “With Every Beat of My Heart,” 1990’s “Love Will Lead You Back,” “I’ll Be Your Shelter,” “Heart of Stone” and her memorable Barry White cover of “Can’t Get Of Your Love, Babe.” Dayne has also dipped into acting, appearing in the sci-fi television series Nightman and the Warren Beatty-produced remake of Love Affair. She also worked on Broadway with Elton John on Aida in 2001. John would call Dayne back to help out on a star-studded tribute for Nile Rodgers’ We Are Family Foundation. After being featured on VH1’s Remaking, Dayne returned to music after a much needed break to be with family. Her return gave birth to a critically-acclaimed fifth solo album and a new single, “Beautiful,” which climbed to number one on the dance charts. Dayne is a proud advocate for the arts, which she has lobbied congressional leaders on Capitol Hill on behalf of the National Association of Music Merchants and VH1’s Save the Music Foundation to reduce cuts in music education. She’s also committed in pleasing her fans, particularly those in the LGBTQ community. In 2010, she recorded “Facing a Miracle,” the official theme songs to the 2010 Gay Games. In 2013, Dayne headlined the Atlanta Pride festival. “Judy Garland, Barbra Streisand, Diana Ross, Bette Midler, Cher – they all defined the archetype as their artistry conveyed an affirming mix of strength and vulnerability. Gay men have long been their most devoted, downright rabid, fans,” says Rashod Ollison of the Virginian-Pilot. “Taylor Dayne is just outside of that pantheon, but elements of the gay diva archetype – the skyscraper voice, the bombastic music, the fierce hair and makeup – have mostly defined her career.” When asked about her role in the gay community, Dayne tells from the heart. “Passion goes a long way in the gay community,” she said in 2013. ““I look at my gay audience and I’m so appreciative. It’s an honor.” She’s come a long way from playing small nightclubs. Today she performs to sold-out crowds in stadiums and indoor music venues, yet she remains committed her fanbase. “I’m not doing clubs anymore, mostly Pride events, which are more joyful and celebratory,” Dayne said. “It’s not kids clubbin’ in the middle of the night. I see real communities coming together now. They’re giving back so much. As long as there’s an audience, it’s all good.” To date, the three-time Grammy nominee has sold more than 75 million albums and singles worldwide. Her most recent single, 2011’s “Floor on Fire,” soared to number eight on the Billboard dance charts.
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DEL SHORES Performing at DEL SHORES WITH STEEL CITY MEN’S CHORUS (Friday, CARVER THEATER)
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orn in Winters, Texas, Del Shores is a movie producer, actor, comedian and playwright. He rose to fame as the producer and writer of Sordid Lives (2000) and later writing scripts for ABC’s Dharma & Greg and Showtime’s Queer as Folk. He’s the recipient of a GLAAD Media Award for his work on the play Southern Baptist Sissies, which was turned into a live feature film starring Emerson Collins, Leslie Jordan and Dale Dickey. In 2013, the film was shown at the Birmingham Shout LGBTQ film festival.
STEEL CITY MEN’S CHORUS Performing at DEL SHORES WITH STEEL CITY MEN’S CHORUS (Friday, CARVER THEATER)
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ne of the freshest choral ensembles in Birmingham, the thirty-plus member Steel City Men’s Chorus was formed in the summer of 2013 and made their premiere at the 300-seat Virginia Samford Theatre in December with their sold-out holiday show, Our First Noel. Their next show, The Women That Made Us, beefed up their success, selling out the 500seat venue days before the show. The group, led by music director Stephen Morros and chorus manager David Reynolds, is a proud member of Chorus America and the Gay and Lesbian Association of Choruses (GALA).
dININg gUIdE CHEAT SHEET Rocky’s Pizza & Italian Foods
RoLY POLY
715 Richard Arrington Blvd S (205) 252-8282 www.rockyspizza.net 15% off total purchase with CAP 2014 Card*
313 20th Street North & 2009 15th Ave S (205) 324-3393 (205) 933-1933 www.rolypoly.com Free medium drink w/ purchase of whole sandwich with CAP 2014 Card*
RoJO BIRMINGHAM
CANTINA
2901 2nd Ave S #110 (205) 323-6980 www.cantinatortillagrill.com
2921 Highland Ave S (205) 328-4733 www.rojobirmingham.com Free chips and salsa w/ purchase of $5 or more with CAP 2014 Card*
NEWK’S
611 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd S (205) 323-0992 www.newks.com
J. CLYDE
312 Cobb Lane (205) 939-1312 www.jclyde.com Free order of fried green tomatoes w/ purchase of entree with CAP 2014 Card*
POST OFFICE PIES 209 41st St S (205) 599-9900
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* see back for more info
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IRON CITY GRILL
513 22nd St S (205) 202-5483
www.ironcitybham.com
NIgHTLIFE PICKS AL’S ON SEVENTH
2627 7th Ave S (205) 321-2812 www.alsonseventh.com www.facebook.com/alsonseventh
ARBY’S
2100 7th Ave S (205) 328-2586 www.arbys.com 10% off total purchase with CAP 2014 card*
QUEST CLUB
416 24th St S (205) 251-4313 www.quest-club.com www.facebook.com/questclubbham
UPTOWN BIRMINGHAM TEXAS DE BRAZIL SOUTHERN KITCHEN BAR & GRILL MUGSHOT’S TODD ENGLISH P.U.B. OCTANE COFFEE 2221 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd N www.uptownbham.com
NANA FUNKS
708 29th St S (205) 250-8003 www.twitter.com/nanafunks
El barrio
2211 2nd Ave N (205) 868-3737 www.elbarriobirmingham.com
OUR PLACE
2115 7th Ave S (205) 715-0077 www.facebook.com/OurPlaceBirmingham
STAY CONNECTED www.centralalabamapride.org www.twitter.com/Central_ALPride www.facebook.com/CentralAlabamaPrideInc
Show your
Follow the action at: www.facebook.com/equinoxbham www.tumblr.com/equinoxbham
all year long!
GET YOUR CAP 2014 CARD Save $$$ on products and services from Arby’s J. Clyde Rojo Birmingham Roly Poly Martin’s Flowers Green Central Station Mountain Brook Creamery Mr. Burch Cleaners Zoe Consignment and Vintage Painted Shovel Merchantile Green Garage EvolInk Studio Sanctuary Salon Rocky’s Pizzeria and $5 off your CAP 2014 T- Shirt
See a CAP Board Member to purchase your card today.