Everything you need to know to have a blast at San Diego Pride.

By Russell Poncik

Chapter 1: Introduction to the Main Event

San Diego celebrates Pride in a big way this year. The main event begins with The Spirit of Stonewall Rally on Friday, July 28 at 7 p.m. Featured guest speakers include Rev. Troy D. Perry, founder of Metropolitan Community Church and Neil Giuliano, president of the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD). The celebration will continue through Sunday, July 30. The two-day festival will once again be held at Marston Point in Balboa Park.

The Pride theme this year is: Equality! No Turning Back! The mile-long parade through the heart of Hillcrest will provide an opportunity to show the world the pride of our community. The parade begins at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 29, and will travel down University Avenue from Normal Street to Sixth Avenue and head south to the festival grounds.

The Pride Festival hours are noon until 10 p.m. on Saturday, July 29, and 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. on Sunday, July 30. One-day passes are available for $12, or the special weekend pass is $20. Tickets are available in advance online, at several local retailers, and will also be sold at The Spirit of Stonewall Rally and by members of the Gay Men’s Chorus of San Diego on the parade route.

Free parking will be available at the Old Navy Hospital parking lot at Park Boulevard and Presidents Way with free shuttle bus service beginning at 8 a.m. both Saturday and Sunday. All performances on the Main Stage and The Leather Realm will be interpreted for the deaf community. Be prepared for warm temperatures.

Chapter 2: What’s Going On?

Lots of special events are scheduled prior to and during San Diego Pride weekend, and each offers another reason to become involved as the community celebrates another year of equality and pride.

Through Sunday, July 30

The Museum of the Living Artist at the San Diego Art Institute offers a discount to patrons showing a Pride advertisement. Hours are from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Tuesdays through Saturday, and noon-4 p.m. on Sundays. The museum is located at 1439 El Prado in Balboa Park.

Through Sunday, August 20

Diversionary Theatre presents Howard Crabtree’s musical comedy When Pigs Fly. A discount is offered for those who present a Pride ticket stub. The venue is located at 4545 Park Blvd. Tickets can be purchased by calling (619) 220-0097.

Thursday, July 27

The Greater San Diego Business Association Pride Mixer will be held at Bourbon Street, 4612 Park Blvd., from 5:30-7:30 p.m. The event will feature a live performance by Ashley Matte. Cost is $5 for members or $7 for non-members. For additional information, call (619) 296-4543.

Thursday, July 27

The Pride Concert is being presented at the North Park Theatre, 2891 University Ave., and begins at 7:30 p.m. The event will feature the San Diego Women’s Chorus, the Gay Men’s Chorus of San Diego, the San Diego Men’s Chorus, and the Hillcrest Wind Ensemble. Proceeds benefit various LGBT and HIV/AIDS organizations and the Scholarship for Queer Youth Fund. Tickets are available at www.e-ticketsnow.com.

Thursday, July 27

The Old Globe presents Out at the Globe with a pre-show party featuring appetizers and hosted wine and martini bars. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. and includes your choice of seeing The Sisters Rosensweig or Othello. Curtain is at 8 p.m. Tickets can be purchased by calling (619) 234-5623.

Friday, July 28 - Sunday, July 30

The Art of Pride juried exhibit will showcase several local LGBT artists in several media. Items will be on display during the two-day festival and the opening reception with the artists will take place prior to the Spirit of Stonewall Rally in Balboa Park. For details, visit www.sdpride.org.

Saturday, July 29

The 25th Annual Run and Stride with Pride is presented by Front Runners & Walkers San Diego. The event starts at 7:30 a.m. at the corner of Sixth Avenue and Laurel in Balboa Park. The fee is $25 prior to the event or $30 day of the event. Awards are given to the top three in each age category. For details, visit www.frsdweb.org.

Sunday, July 30

The annual Commitment Ceremony will be held at 1 p.m. at the Festival in Balboa Park. For details, visit www.sdpride.org.

Chapter 3: Hail to the Honorees

Four grand marshals are being honored at the 32nd annual San Diego Pride parade and five outstanding individuals and two organizations are being recognized with community awards. Each has significantly contributed to our community.

The community grand marshal is Judy Reif, whose activism dates back over three decades to New York City where she helped promote one of the nation’s first Pride marches a year after 1969’s Stonewall Riots. She has participated in a number of local events and charities since moving to San Diego, including being an active member of Lesbians for Political Action. She has co-produced concerts for the San Diego Women’s Chorus and has served on the board for San Diego LGBT Pride.

The three celebrity grand marshals include Neil Giuliano, the president of the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) and former openly gay mayor of Tempe, Ariz.; recording artist Juba Kalamka (aka Pointfivefag), founding member of the homo-hop crew Deep Dickollective; and Rev. Troy D. Perry, who founded the Metropolitan Community Church of Los Angeles in 1968.

The Friend of the Year honor recognizes one who does not identify as LGBT but has supported the community for a number of years. This year that honor goes to Bobbie Harwood who has been actively involved with Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG), and a vocal supporter of Scouting For All.

The Community Service Awards are being given to Shaun Travers and Ken St. Pierre. Travers represents the bisexual community and is a current board member of the San Diego LGBT Community Center and represents the University of California at San Diego on the San Diego LGBT Community Leadership Council. St. Pierre has co-organized the Momentum on the Midway event for the last two years and consistently offers his time as a community volunteer.

The Champion of Pride Awards recognize those that have demonstrated outstanding community leadership. Sandra Usi Ramirez is being honored for her longstanding dedication to providing assistance to transgender individuals seeking asylum in the United States and for her work with several community organizations in providing HIV counseling. Businessman Chris Shaw is a board member of the GSDBA Charitable Foundation, which annually awards youth scholarships, and during a time in the 1980s he would host the Pride Festival in the parking lot of the former West Coast Production Company, which he owned from 1979 to 1992.

The Stonewall Service Awards are given to organizations or groups that have supported the LGBT community for a number of years. This year the San Diego County Employees Charitable Organization and Diversionary Theatre are being honored. The San Diego County Employees Charitable Organization has donated more than $20 million to several nonprofit agencies since it was founded 50 years ago. Diversionary Theatre is one of the oldest LGBT theaters in the country.

Chapter 4: An Entertaining Proposition

More than 70 entertainment acts will be presented during the two-day festival, with 10 performance stages offering visitors a variety of musical genres. Dance, poetry readings, and the newly created Cinema in the Park add to the entertainment lineup this year.

The Jack FM Main Stage acts include headliner Deborah Gibson on Saturday, July 29. Also set to perform on Saturday are The Glamazons, The Ultra Suede, Patsy Grind, Sister Funk, When In Rome, and Flock of Seagulls. On Sunday, acts include San Diego Men’s Chorus, Culture Shock, Jason and DeMarco, Boy Mike, and headliner Tiffany. The host for both days is Monique Marvez from Jack FM 100.7.

The Great Lawn Stage features entertainers throughout the day and at dusk on Saturday, July 29, the area will be converted into an outdoor LGBT movie theater featuring a giant screen for screenings of Jim in Bold and Gay Pioneers.

Debby Holiday heads up the HiNrg Dance Floor at Pride T-Dance on Saturday, July 29, while the Latin T-Dance is scheduled for Sunday, July 30, from 4-8 p.m. La India will be the special guest performer during the Latin T-Dance. A Women’s T-Dance is also set for 5-8 p.m. on July 30. The Over 21 Music Stage features Jet Black, John David Shepherd Band, Rhythm and the Method, AJ Thompson, and Sean Wiggins Duo. Derek Hartley and Romaine Patterson of Sirius Satellite Radio are the host MCs.

Greta Ashley Davis, Cassandra Stahl, and Blue Buddha are just three acts that will headline the Ebony Pride Music Stage on Saturday, July 29. The Couples Dance Floor offers patrons an opportunity to learn several dances throughout the day on Sunday, July 30.

Erik Swanson will host the Karaoke Stage and the Golden State Rodeo Association San Diego Chapter will present the Country Dance Floor. The Pride Youth Committee will host a special area called Xone with a stage for open microphone, music, and dancing.

Chapter 5: Some Marvelous Parties

Powerhouse Productions will present the five main Pride Parties for 2006. A limited number of V.I.P. Passes are available or individual tickets are available for each of the events. It should be noted that a limited number of tickets are being offered for each party and the price for purchasing a pass the day of the event will be higher. For complete details, call the party hotline at (858) 623-9547.

The Harbor Cruise is the first party to kick-off the weekend celebrations. The event features DJ Joe Gauthreaux and will be held aboard the California Spirit. The party is scheduled for Friday, July 28, from 8 -11 p.m. Tickets are limited to 600.

The Pride Ball will feature DJ Brett Henrichsen. The 4th & B club is host venue and tickets are limited to 2,000. The party is scheduled for 10 p.m.-4 a.m. on Friday, July 28.

Circuit Daze will be held on Saturday, July 29, at the San Diego Sports Arena with DJ Manny Lehman. Special guest Debby Holiday will perform at midnight. The party runs from 10 p.m- 6 a.m. Tickets are limited to 8,000.

The famous Zoo Party will take place from 4-11 p.m. at the San Diego Zoo. DJ Phil B and DJ Tony Moran both headline the party on Sunday, July 30. Tickets are limited to 4,000.

The closing party on Sunday, July 30, is Fete Accompli with DJ Abel and DJ Ralphi Rosario. The host venue is the 4th & B club and the party is scheduled for 11 p.m. until 8 a.m. Tickets are limited to only 2,000.

Local events include Martinis Above Fourth’s special Pride version of Babette’s Bingo Brunch on Sunday, July 30, beginning at 11 a.m.

The Brass Rail has a pre-Pride party planned for Thursday, July 27, with an all-star lineup for their live entertainment performances. “Urban Jam” with DJ Abel and DJ Squeek on Friday night while DJ Klaus and a surprise guest DJ will entertain on Saturday night at “Noche Latino Americano.” Their Pride Recovery Party is the Sunday Disco T-Dance with a beer bust and $3 pitchers.

At Bacchus House, they’ll have five days of celebration beginning with Franceska’s red-hot Música y Pasión Latina on Wednesday, July 26, at 9:30 p.m. with DJ Ruben Casas spinning at 11 p.m. Their “It’s Raining Men Wet Underwear Contest” on Thursday night will feature Falcon Exclusive, and bonafide hottie, Derrick Vinyard. DJ Luke Johnstone will spin at the House Party from 10 p.m.-5 a.m. on Friday night, while DJ Jon Williams will be in the house on Saturday night for Pump. The Pride Morning Party kicks in at 3 a.m. with DJ De Leon and continues until noon on Sunday. It continues with more partying on Sunday evening with Fiesta Domingo and the Finale Morning Party with DJ Jon Williams from 2 a.m.-8 a.m.

Rich’s will host DJ TY (L.A.) and DJ Derek (S.D.) on Friday night, July 28, with DJ Kimberly S coming in for the Saturday night Salvation Party. DJ Derek is on board again on Sunday for a special L.L. Bear Party.

It is all about the boys on Saturday nights at the newly re-opened Club Montage, with the party going from 9 p.m.-6 a.m. Look for DJ Jon Bishop and DJ Lydia Prim to be at the club on July 29 with a special guest appearance by DJ Chris Cox on Sunday, July 30.

The Pride partying begins on Wednesday, July 26, at Hamburger Mary’s with Trash Disco. Look for line dancing and country dancing on Thursday and Friday nights. The fine folks at the restaurant will serve a breakfast buffet from 9 a.m.-noon on Saturday. Champagne brunch will be served from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Sunday and a special breakfast buffet will be offered on Monday, July 31, from 9 a.m. to noon. A Recovery Tea Dance with DJ Taj starts at 2 p.m. and continues until 9 p.m.

The Caliph will offer drink specials all weekend long with barbecue being served as well on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, from noon-8 p.m. Kevin Cavanaugh performs at 9 p.m. on Friday. Entertainers Ria Carey and Evan Crone take to the stage on Saturday night at 9 p.m. Enjoy open jukebox on Saturday during the day, with karaoke at 8 p.m. on Sunday night.

Chapter 6

Ebony Enchantress

Singer, songwriter, and film producer Ebony Tay uses her talents to champion gay rights.

By John Hobbs

It’s a testament to Ebony Tay’s success that she can’t seem to find a moment to relax lately. “You push and push and then, all of a sudden, everything just magically comes together,” explains the Chinese-Jamaican songstress, sounding a bit stressed. Understandably so: The singer, songwriter, and film producer has had a busy year. In 2005, a remix of her single, “Jesus by 45,” broke in to Billboard’s Top 20 Dance Club Playchart; “Situation,” a song from her forthcoming CD, Stories of the Firehorse, is already slated to be featured on an episode of Scrubs; and Tay has even gone multi-media, co-producing and writing the musical score for Hate Crime, an award-winning film she’s been promoting for its 2006 release. Not bad considering Tay, whose music has been described as an earthy Hendrix meets Marvin Gaye with an early Mahalia Jackson and Tina Turner feel, is an independent artist.

While performing—and promoting her movie and CD—at Prides across North America, the passionate performer says she has found her life’s mission: fighting for gay rights and hate crime legislation—issues that hit home with Tay, whose brother-in-law was a victim of a cruel hate crime. She sat down with IN Los Angeles to discuss her stint on the Gay Pride circuit, how Olympic-medalist Florence Griffith Joyner pushed her in to becoming a musical artist, and why the gay crowd cannot get enough of her soulful rock music.

How did you first get involved with the Pride circuit?

What got me into the festival circuit was Hate Crime. As it went into select theaters, the music started to really get buzzing. I also have two gay brothers, so I thought, “I grew up around all these gay men. I’ve got to play the Prides.” I have met the most wonderful people [at the Prides]. I started to listen to their stories about how they were ostracized by their families and about what they went through in the work place. That’s when I went, “These are civil rights.”

How many Pride celebrations have you performed at?

I played the Long Beach Pride—opening for India Arie—then I went on to do the L.A. Pride, promoting the movie and playing “Jesus by 45.” Then on to Toronto Pride, which was amazing. I have never seen a Pride with so many straight people—with their children, walking through the streets, drinking, and dancing with gay people. It didn’t even feel like it was a Gay Pride. It felt like it was a United Nations of people just accepting each other.

What do you think it is about your music that holds such appeal for gay audiences?

I think it appeals to them because they like good music. That’s the bottom line. They know when something’s real. The love I have felt at Pride is unlike anything I have ever felt before.

How did you first get started performing?

I was a national track and field athlete for many years. As I was doing that, people said to me, “We need a way to bring the athletes together. So can you whip out the guitar?” One of the top runners in the world, an Olympic-gold medalist by the name of Florence Griffith Joyner, said to me, “You can really sing. You should be doing that.”

What can we expect from you at San Diego Pride?

I am playing after the commitment ceremony—after 200 people get married. And how wonderful to play after all this love! I’m going to do a set that has a lot of soul, rock, and then some intimate stuff.

Ebony Tay will perform on the Jack FM Stage at 1:20 p.m. on Sunday, July 30. For more information, go to www.ebonytaymusic.com.

Epilogue: Another Powerhouse Summer Hits San Diego

By Paul Browne

For SoCal LGBTs, July means many things. For several, it means traveling to far away sexy lands. For others, it means spending sun-drenched days at the beach surfing, boarding, or jet skiing. However, with the heat reaching unimaginable heights this year, there’s a general sense of “blah” going on around here. That will all change come the last weekend in July when thousands upon thousands congregate in San Diego for the biggest event of the summer. San Diego Pride 2006 hits the harbor city July 28-30 and once again, Powerhouse Productions will be there to make sure the people get their party on. Powerhouse Productions’ Executive Director Bill Hardt serves as the man with the vision for this notorious weekend and his San Diego Pride parties have become legendary for being of ultra-high production value and featuring world-class DJs while set in conventional everyday venues. “We always utilize mainstream events venues, which is very unique and what makes it so much fun,” beams Hardt. “Like for the San Diego Sports Arena or for the San Diego Zoo, it’s going into mainstream America venues and you’re allowed to be as open or as out as you want to be.”

San Diego boasts one of the biggest concentrations of LGBT people in California, and to set the tone of celebration and rejoicing, Hardt kicks off the weekend in true SD style with a Harbor Cruise aboard the California Spirit at the B Street Pier on Friday, July 28, from 8-11 p.m. DJ Joe Gauthreaux is set to control the reigns of this three-hour tour that will no doubt stir up those waters like a magical cauldron and cast a spell of energy and ecstasy on the city for the rest of the weekend. The vigor of opening night on Friday continues with the Pride Ball from 10 p.m.-4 a.m. With DJ Brett Henrichsen on the bill, the venue at 4th & B streets will be bumpin’ all night until the morning light officially solidifying downtown San Diego as the center of the universe this amazing weekend.

On the night of Saturday, July 29, Pride-goers will be put in a visual and sonic trance with DJ Manny Lehman spinning the world into a Circuit Daze. The all-night circuit party from 10 p.m.-6 a.m., featuring a special performance by Debby Holiday, will certainly fill the San Diego Sports Arena with more sweaty action than it’s probably seen in a year.

Once Sunday, July 30, rolls around, it’s no holds barred with the legendary Zoo Party on the grounds of the world famous San Diego Zoo. This year, the Zoo Party will continue to put down its legacy as the hottest event of this wet and wild weekend when guest DJs Phil B and Tony Moran, and a special performance by Kristine W., make sure the zoo grounds are pulsing with beats so tribal and heavy that the safari animals will think they’re back home with the natives. Finally, San Diego Pride 2006 comes to a close with the ever-popular Feté Accompli from 11 p.m.-8 a.m. at 4th & B streets. Hardt clearly knows how to conclude a weekend rich with community empowerment and merriment by showcasing DJs Rosabel, Abel, and Ralphi Rosario in a farewell nine-hour set, which will hopefully keep the spirit and energy alive until everybody reconvenes next July for three more glorious proud San Diego days.

All tickets can be purchased online at www.circuiticket.com or at in store retail outlets, Perfect Beat (8941 Santa Monica Blvd., W. Hlywd.) and Great Earth Vitamins (1050 University Ave., Ste. 101, San Diego). For more information on all San Diego Pride parties and ticket prices, please see www.powerhouse-productions.com.