Pride Charlotte 2008 July 26, 2008

PRIDE Charlotte has over 8,000 attendees and in 2008 will feature outstanding performers on the Main Stage including...

Ira Levi - One of the first vocalists signed to legendary mega-dance label Strictly Rhythm/WEA in the 90's, singer songwriter Ira Levi is one of the first Dance artists to cross over and to be signed by a major label. His Billboard singles include "Free Your Mind" and "We Came To Work It Out" . In 2007, he released an incredible cover of the Eurythmics' classic "Sweet Dreams" and the smash "Let The Children Dance" (First heard exclusively in ABERCROMBIE AND FITCH stores woldwide).

Josh Zuckerman -- not your typical rock star. While exemplifying the perfect star quality, he continues to carry a message about being true to one's self. He has released two CDs (Out From Under, A Totally New Sensation) to great reviews. Having toured over 15 different countries including the United States, Bermuda, Germany, France, Belgium, Sweden, Norway, Japan, as well as Thailand, Josh continues to spread his music across the globe. He has shared the stage with The Indigo Girls, Rupaul, Macy Gray, Joan Jett, B.B King, and many others. His music has been selling across the United States, Europe, and Asia and clips of his songs "Karma," "Spiritual," and "Circle Of Friends" appeared on Kathy Griffin's reality show "My Life On The D-List" on Bravo. His song Out From Under was the number one most requested song on Sirius Out Q for four weeks in a row and the video has consistently been seen on LOGO TV's "The Click List" and "New Now Next".

Melissa Reaves -- delighting audiences throughout the United States and Europe for more than a decade with her rock, funk and rhythm & blues-based sound. Reaves is a powerful vocalist and guitar player whose style ranges from driving rock & roll to a funk and groove sound that lends itself to a diverse repertoire of originals as well as some occasional choice covers. In 1999, Melissa won the Lilith Fair Talent Search for the Charlotte area and performed on the main stage at the festival with Sheryl Crow and Sarah McLachlan. In January 2000, Melissa was chosen to participate in a "Women of the Millennium" showcase at the MIDEM conference in Cannes, France and toured in both England and France including opening for Robert Plant of Led Zepplin.

The Queen City Outlaws -- the country/western dance group of Southern Country Charlotte. Their mission is to support local charities and lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender events while promoting country and western music and dance. The Outlaws have are always a draw at Pride events and we are excited to have them back performing at Pride in Charlotte.

Rodie Ray -- a veteran to the Southeastern Indie Rock scene, has been writing and performing music since her childhood in the rural South. Years later, and a debut CD, which garnered her an invitation from Sarah McLachlan to join the Lilith Fair tour, Rodie continues to use her southern wit and quizzical girlish charms to reel in large devoted audiences around the Southeast. She, along with her band (which uses her name), have shared the stage with Grammy award winners Sarah McLachlan and Bonnie Raitt. Rodie has also headlined with country music legend Merle Haggard. She and her band have also served as a support band for Grammy award winner blues legend Taj Mahal.

Sugarbeach - Canadian/Aussie out lesbian duo (and couple) Marlee & Tully have been described as fresh, provocative, positive & dynamic. Their dance-pop EP CD “I Just Love Girls” has been hitting the airwaves and dance floors across Canada & the US and Outvoice listeners have voted Sugarbeach into their GLBT top 40 Chart. They were featured in 8 Vancouver Pride events last year and will be heavily showcased this year performing their new theme song for Pride 2008.

The Gay Men's Chorus of Charlotte - Through its artistic achievements, the Gay Men's Chorus of Charlotte endeavors to create a society which values and respects its gay and lesbian members.

Official Website: http://www.pridecharlotte.com/