From Country Boys to Drag Race Royalty!
Pride Fort Lauderdale is turning over a new leaf and highlighting the city’s best asset, the beach. To celebrate the festival’s big move from Holiday Park, organizers have planned an amazing line up of entertainment to pump up the crowd.
Headliners
America’s Got Talent phemon, Brian Justin Crum and Grammy Award nominee and country music singer Ty Herndon come to town and bring the star power to the 40th annual Pride Fort Lauderdale.
In 2016, Brian Justin Crum shot to fame on season 11 of America’s Got Talent, where he eventually finished in 4th place. After receiving several standing ovations during his performances, it was obvious that great things were ahead for Crum, who finished out 2016 with the release of his version of Robyn’s hit Show Me Love. Next week, Hotspots will feature an exclusive interview with Crum.
Ty Herndon blew the doors off the closet several years ago when, in an interview with People Magazine, he became the first country music star to come out. Like many men of his generation, his journey to the freedom of living his truth was bumpy and messy, but Herndon has never let the hard times hold him back for long. When he spoke with Hotspots he told us; “the most amazing thing about the last two years of my life is being able to live so openly and authentically, not only in my personal life but in my professional life as well.” He added “I was lucky enough that the country fans have been gracious and the only thing that’s changed is that I have a legion of new fans with the LGBT community and it so awesome to see everybody come together.”
DJ’s
No Pride festival would be complete without a handful of DJs to keep the party going. This year, Pride Fort Lauderdale will feature DJ AJ Reddy, DJ Wendy Hunt, and DJ Joe Gauthreaux.
DJ AJ Reddy has developed a local following in South Florida and he will surely have the crowd moving. Every week, he can be found bringing his music to the community at our local establishments.
Joining him as a guest DJ for Pride Fort Lauderdale is DJ Wendy Hunt, who is a living legend and is celebrating her 43rd year as a DJ. Wendy has been dubbed the “Queen Mother” of DJs and has brought the house down at legendary parties like Winter Party and White Party, right here in South Florida, as well as Ascension Party in Fire Island.
Rounding out the DJ talent is DJ Joe Gauthreaux who is one of the most sought after DJs and producers in the industry. He has played almost every major circuit event all over the world, including Winter Party Festival, Black Party, White Party Miami, Song Kran Bangkok, New Year’s Rio at The Week, Atlantis Cruises, among others. A staple at major clubs across North America, Brazil and Asia, while holding multi-year residencies in several key markets across the world, his name is synonymous with having an amazing and unique musical experience.
Drag Royalty
South Florida’s most famous and sought after drag queen, Latrice Royale will also be making an appearance this year at Pride Fort Lauderdale. Royale, who competed on season four of RuPaul’s Drag Race and in the first season of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars, promises to have the audience gagging as she razzles and dazzles and lip syncs for her LIFE! If you haven’t had a chance to catch her performing live, you won’t want to miss this one. She totally owns the stage and she doesn’t get home much anymore, now that she is booked for performances all around the world every week. Come out and give this hometown girl some love.
For more information about Pride Fort Lauderdale including parking, vendor info, and volunteer opportunities that are still available, visit PrideFortLauderdale.org
