From drag queens and kings to lively sets by Betty Who, David Hernandez and more, Saturday’s Grand Rapids Pride Festival proved to be a colorful expression of freedom and individuality. (Photo gallery)
An infectious feeling of celebration and joy was palpable in the air at Saturday’s 2018 Grand Rapids Pride Festival, along with plenty of glitter, of course.
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Events organized throughout the week by the Grand Rapids Pride Center — which is dedicated to empowering the LGBTQ community via supportive services and awareness — culminated in the vibrant, day-long festival held on Calder Plaza in downtown Grand Rapids.
Beginning at noon, the festival drew an extremely diverse crowd with a plethora of food trucks and vendors, including the John Frieda hair academy tent where artists used colored hair spray and glitter to help festival-goers embrace the spirit of the day’s event.
One thing in common with every performer on stage? They focused heavily on audience participation.
That included the early evening kickoff set by David Hernandez, whose rendition of “Wake Me Up” (made famous by the late Avicii), insspired a sing-along from almost every person on the plaza. After his set, the cha-cha slide drew even more people to the sun-drenched space in front of the stage.
As the evening progressed, more attendees crowded the stage. Numerous drag queens and kings, almost all from Michigan, blessed the crowd with their high-energy performances and flawless death drops.
One of the headliners, synth-pop/power pop artist Betty Who, immediately commanded the attention of the audience when she took to the stage along with her two back-up dancers. R&B/pop act En Vogue closed out the evening.
Every performer seemed to focus on continually building the energy on stage and spreading the festival’s message: You can truly be who your heart desires and still live a fruitful and fulfilling life.
PHOTO GALLERY: Grand Rapids Pride Festival 2018
Photos by Veronica Leigh Anderson