The Capital Pride Street Festival is Washington, D.C.’s largest annual one-day event with over 200,000 visitors, three stages, two beverage gardens, 300 sponsor and vendor exhibits, and food trucks with various cuisines. This year, it will be held on Saturday, June 9.
What acts can you expect to see at Pride? All genres of music and entertainment from Grammy Award winning artists to folk bands to burlesque performers. “Basically, anything that will ‘wow’ audiences and show them something new. Last year, we brought in some high profile headliners: Icona Pop, Cher Lloyd & Emile Sande. This year will be no different,” says Vernon Wall, Capital Pride Entertainment Co-Chair. “Having the capitol as an iconic backdrop is stunning. Everyone from the DMV area comes together to have a good time. It really gives it a hometown feel.”
There are plenty of local bands, whose performances offer a true representation of the talent, uniqueness, and diversity of the LGBTQ community.
Michelle Raymond
Michelle Raymond Band will be performing for its fifth year on the Capital Pride stage. The band’s jazz/folk style and fun personality always has audiences grooving and laughing. Michelle Raymond (M-Ray) is an LGBT artist whose band has reached #1 on Reverbnation’s Folk Music Charts in Washington, D.C. eight times over the past two years. “As artists, we are proud to showcase our talents, represent our community, and bond all forms of entertainment together to support a common cause,” says Raymond. Raymond enjoys “throwing on some cowgirl boots, flirting with pretty girls, and turning rap songs into beautiful acoustic versions.”
DC Gurly Show has been performing at Capital Pride for the last four years. They are D.C.’s original queer burlesque troupe, and the largest queer burlesque troupe in the country. “We are just so excited with all of the opportunities within the pride community,” says Myster E, DC Gurly’s producer.
Roxie from Enkore Dance
Enkore Dance is the leading urban dance company in the DMV area. They have trained dancers who have moved on to be in BET’s Born to Dance, America’s Got Talent, and various music videos. Their performances are primarily hip-hop based, but they blend a fusion of styles including jazz, modern, and contemporary dance. “We try to give the audience as much entertainment as we possibly can. Last year’s experience was overwhelming. The crowd was amazing,” says Artistic Director and Founder, Damarcko Retro Price. “Most of our members are from the LGBT community. It’s nice to be able to showcase our talents and gifts, and get so much support from the LGBT community.”
Festival Information
The Capital Pride Street Festival continues along the historic Pennsylvania Avenue NW between 3rd and 7th Streets. Festival exhibit hours are 12 p.m. – 7 p.m. The Capitol Sunset Closing Party will continue at the Capitol Main Stage to the beats of an international known DJ.
