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Pet Parade
The Tower Grove Business Association in conjunction with Pride St. Louis will hold the Second Annual Morgan Ford Pet Parade. Advance registration is highly encouraged. Pet Parade festivities begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 28th at Morgan Ford and Utah, and the Parade begins promptly at Noon. Parade travels from Utah down Morgan Ford to Tower Grove Park at Arsenal, ending at Pridefest. For more information and to register, visit our website at www.morganfordpetparade.com.
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Pride Fest Entertainment
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Entertainment Bio's
Celia Tom Goss Sommer Osborne Jen Foster Jason and DeMarco
Adagio Martha Wash Charis Men's Chorus Eric Himan Gregory Douglass God-Des & She
Celia
Whether performing alone or with her back up band (Celia's Big Rock Band),
where Celia sings, people gather. Celia's generous smile accompanies every
song she sings. Her singing range is broad: She can belt songs out on a
Broadway stage; she leads the sing-a-long at camp. Couple this with her
exceptional ability with the guitar, and Celia delivers a performance that's
second to none. Because of her first rate charisma, Celia is often called on
to be both an emcee and a featured performer for charity events and music
festivals. An eclectic performer, Celia mixes rock, folky funky expressions,
and the vocal strength of torch song singers to make her own unique recipe
of sound—a bit of performers like Carole King, Edie Brickell, Burt Bacharach,
and a dash of groups like the Sundays, the Isley Brothers, and the Pretenders
while still managing to have room for more than a sprinkle of her own special
ingredients. Celia welcomes all with a laugh and a smile.
“Imagine a cross between Raffi and Melanie. If the thought of such a hybrid turns your
stomach, well, maybe you're one of the unhappy few immune to Celia's allure. Unless you're
an unmitigated crab-ass, you'll probably find yourself grinning like a moron in no time.”
–Roy Kasten, River f ront Times, St . Louis MO
“Klammie-nominated singer/songwriter Celia recently relocated to St. Louis and promptly
earned a nod for a Slammie, making her quite possibly the first artist to become eligible
for both awards in the same calendar year.”
–Andrew Mi l ler, Pi tch Weekly, Kansas Ci ty MO
“In a jaded world filled with cynical bastards like me,
couldn't we all use a little more Celia in our lives?”
–John Dear, Saint Louis Singer /Songwr i ter
http://www.celiaisrock.com/home.html
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Tom Goss
Meet Tom...
Tom grew up in Kenosha, Wisconsin. He spent his childhood in the gym with his gymnast parents and brothers, but switched to wresting in junior high—a better outlet for some serious teenage aggression—and stuck with it through college.
Music was another, more enduring passion. His mom bought him a guitar as a high-school graduation present, and he quickly taught himself to play. Inspired by Dave Matthews and David Gray, he soon started writing songs of his own.
Through it all, Tom felt a strong spiritual calling. While at the University of Central Missouri, studying to become a teacher, Tom decided that he was meant to be a priest instead. He moved to Washington, DC in 2004 to enter Catholic seminary. It didn’t go as planned and, disillusioned by the institution in which he had placed his faith, he chose to abandon religious training—but not his quest.
Back in secular life, Tom sought new ways to work toward social justice, the issue that had led him to the church in the first place. He took a job running a breakfast program for the homeless. He began to build a life with his partner Mike. And he channeled his message of love, hope and reconciliation through his music.
Don’t expect hymns. Tom offers up dynamic acoustic rock featuring muscular guitar, hooky melodies and a uniquely powerful voice. If the 26-year-old has any patron saints, they are Jack Johnson, Damien Rice, Ben Folds, and Joss Stone.
Since April 2006, when he released his self-produced debut, Naked Without, Tom has played scores of coffeehouses, bars, gay pride festivals and other events—honing his skills along the way. With the January 2008 release of his second CD, Rise, Tom demonstrates just how far he’s come. The six songs showcase his stylistic flexibility, from the urgent growl of “Morning Sun” to the sweet and unadorned “King of Something Right.”
Across Tom’s songs echo themes of rebirth and renewal, of love and loss and what lies beyond. It’s a playlist for anyone on a journey from darkness to light.
http://www.tomgossmusic.com/
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Sommer Osborne
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Jen Foster
Jen Foster wants you to hear her music. Whether she’s singing about the time her lover moved out and took everything she owned in “Taking Bob Dylan” – or about our jaded American culture in “Closer to Nowhere” – she has something she needs to share with you.
An award-winning singer/songwriter who regularly sells out shows all over the country, Jen draws a devoted following to her live shows, though her largest fan base resides in the southeast. Her bond with fans creates a captive audience, anxious to hear her stories and take in her unique sense of humor. Foster always delivers, making her audience laugh, even if it’s at her own expense.
Influenced heavily by classic artists such as the Rolling Stones, U2, and Bob Dylan, Foster has spent the last several months in a Nashville recording studio working on her upcoming third album (tentatively titled Thirty-Nine), which aims to tighten that bond with listeners through frank and sincere storytelling. Foster, along with co-producer, Greg Droman, put together an all-star group of musicians, including Peter Stroud (Sheryl Crow), Rami Jaffee (The Wallflowers), Sean Hurley (Vertical Horizon), and Fred Eltringham (The Wallflowers, Dixie Chicks, The Wreckers). Embodying a blend of sounds which range from soft, lazy-day melodies to more raucous guitar-driven tracks, the forthcoming new collection includes two tracks (“Closer To Nowhere” and “Venice Beach”) which have recently garnered nominations in the International Songwriting Competition.
Always independent, Foster is no stranger to marketing her own music. She started her own label – now called Fosterchild Records - in 2003. Her debut release, Everybody’s Girl, garnered national radio success at the Triple A format, as well as positive reviews, praising her no-frills, unfiltered lyrics. Songwriting awards followed, and Jen hit the road and started building what is now a formidable fan base. She has also secured some impressive Film/TV placements, with songs placed in the popular television soap opera All My Children as well as a recent placement in an American Pie movie sequel.
Foster’s close relationship with her fans has been key to her success. “I always say that if the fans aren’t there, it’s just a rehearsal. They give meaning and life to what I do, and I want them to know how much I appreciate them.” Foster cares so deeply for her fans that she returns every email from them, no matter how long it takes.
Foster’s 2006 sophomore CD, The Underdogs, was in many ways a powerful tribute to her supporters. The title track evoked such a strong reaction, that it won “Song of the Year” at the Out Music Awards. “To this day, people approach me after shows to share with me how deeply they relate to that song. I think it’s a strong memory many of us have – that feeling of being an outsider.”
Foster definitely knows what it feels like being an outsider. Growing up in a very conservative, Houston, TX, suburb, she never quite felt like she fit in to that world. Singing and writing songs quickly became Jen’s way of expressing feelings she couldn’t otherwise express.
Foster credits another outsider, Ani DiFranco, for inspiration in her business model. “Ani did it her way, and she inspired me to do it my way. I’ve created a fairly unique situation. I’ve built a team of people I trust at my label and also, a community of fans,” Foster proudly notes. “It’s always challenging to take off the artist hat and put on the business hat, but it’s a challenge I embrace. My music means too much to me to blindly put it in someone else’s hands.”
http://www.jenfoster.com/
http://www.myspace.com/jenfoster
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jen-Foster/8152787645
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Jason and DeMarco
 
With the international release of their latest album, "Till the End of Time", Jason & deMarco became familiar names to music fans around the world. Their first single "Trying to Get to You" climbed the Billboard Charts and their second single, "This is Love" won "Music Video of the Year 2006" on MTV's LOGO. A remix of "This is Love" produced by DJ Scotty K was also added to Abercrombie & Fitch's playlist in April of 2007 and was heard nationally in stores.
Now, in the new documentary-film, "We're All Angels," from director Robert Nunez, fans are invited to take a behind-the-scenes look at the public and private lives of these rising pop stars, who are gay, spiritual, and in love. The film chronicles the lives of the two singers as they perform all over the country in dance clubs, at pride events, and even in churches. The movie takes a look at how their openness about their sexuality often pits them against evangelical Christianity, while their faith at times meets with resistance from the gay community. As Jason & deMarco prepare to release a new album to appeal to a wider audience, "We're All Angels" turns the spotlight on how they integrate their sexuality and spirituality within their relationship and professional careers. Currently, "We're All Angels" is circulating the international independant film circuit where it premiered at NewFest 2007: The 19th Annual New York LGBT Film Festival as well as OUTFEST 2007: The 25th Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Film Festival. It is scheduled for release on a major television network Spring 2008.
Jason and deMarco met in 2001 at Vermont Restaurant in Los Feliz Village in Hollywood, CA where deMarco worked as a host. Before launching their duo act, deMarco was performing up and down the west coast in clubs and acting in television commercials, such as Carl's Junior. After a little convincing from Jason, the duo released their first album together, The Spirit of Christmas, in 2002 followed by 2003's Songs for the Spirit. In 2004, Jason and deMarco appeared on the cover of The Advocate magazine with their new album Spirit Pop, a 12-track album of original compositions, combining pop and inspirational genres and yielded both critical and popular acclaim.
"We've had to work at clarifying that although we are both gay and men of faith, our music is not religious, nor is it gay," continues Jason. "Our music has a message, and if I had to call it anything, it would be "uplifting." We want it to speak to everyone, not only people of one particular faith." Jason & deMarco have had the opportunity to perform at numerous high profile GLBT events including the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Awards in Los Angeles, the Matthew Shepard Foundation's annual gala in Denver, and the 2006 Human Rights Campaign Gala at the Waldorf Astoria New York." They have also been a part of the Human Rights Campaign star-studded benefit two-pack CD album celebrating marriage equality, "Love Rocks", alongside artists such as Christina Aguilera, Pink, and The Dixie Chicks.
After recording three albums together, Jason and deMarco formed RJN MUSIC into a partnership in Los Angeles. They also launched Letthead Productions, a recording studio and production company based in Houston, TX. In 2006, the duo released their fourth album, "Till the End of Time" produced by Alan Lett, with additional production from Grammy Award winning producer, Joe Hogue (LeAnn Rimes, Michael W. Smith, Carmen), Rhys Fulber (Sinead O'Connor, Josh Groban, Conjure One), and Eddie X and Luigie Gonzalez (Ricky Martin, Barbara Streisand, etc.). This mainstream pop/rock release offers an edgier sound to fans and takes listeners on a journey through the depths and emotional plateaus of relationships from discovering love, to losing it, then rediscovering it and holding onto it and trusting that it will last the test of time. Seven of the album's twelve songs are written by Jason and deMarco. Additional writing credits on the disc include the two-time Academy Award, Grammy and Golden Globe nominated songwriter, Allan Rich (Whitney Houston, Backstreet Boys, and Patti LaBelle). "It's a powerful and extremely personal album," reflects deMarco. "It is essentially the story of our lives together as we battle what others want us to be, while staying true to our beliefs in who we are. Jason explains, "through our music, we strive to give hope that it is possible to be gay and spiritual and to a have a loving partner with whom to share your life and dreams."
While Jason & deMarco tour internationally in various venues, they also continue sharing their music and message with the community of faith around the world. The duo performs over one hundred concerts per year.
About Jason:
Jason Warner is the oldest son in an entertainment family. He grew up on the eastern shore of Maryland and began singing at an early age, traveling with his mother in music ministry. His grandmother often called him 'lungs' because she could hear him coming down the street as a baby. In 1996, Jason toured with the professional contemporary Christian recording group, Truth, and then in 1997 and 1998, with the group The Sound. On the road and in the studio with these groups, he learned about music management, direction, production and booking. Jason graduated from Lee University in Cleveland, TN in 1997 with a BA degree in Music and Sociology. The following year, he founded his own independent recording label, RJN MUSIC, originally based in Nashville, TN. Says Jason, "although the foundation of my morals, spirituality, and ideals were a result of my strict Pentecostal upbringing, my spiritual beliefs have broadened along with my musical style. I've always pushed myself to break down barriers and cross boundaries in order to reach people from all walks of life, because I believe that music is the universal language of the soul and has the ability to bring people together."
About deMarco:
deMarco DeCiccio's earliest memories of music take him back to nursery school where he was taught to sing nursery rhymes by Catholic nuns. He later furthered his love for music and theater by studying at the Etobicoke School for the Performing Arts, and in 1999 he graduated with a B.A. degree in Music and Languages from York University in Canada. deMarco's debut album was a series of love songs, sung in Italian, called "Melodie." Since relocating to Los Angeles in 1999, deMarco has performed in a number of theatrical productions, and has appeared in several national commercials.
Jason & deMarco's music is available at major retailers through Centaur Entertainment in collaboration with RJN MUSIC and is available for purchase via www.jasonanddemarco.com as well as digitally throughout Europe in France, Spain, The Netherlands, Italy, Ireland, The United Kingdom, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium and Australia.
http://www.jasonanddemarco.com/
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Adagio
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Martha Wash
"I stand alone in the eye of the storm. Pressures all around, tryin' to wear me down. But it's alright, I won't give up the fight. I said, 'Lord, lift me up!' Let me rise above. Nobody's gonna take my pride, I won't stop, I will not be denied - I carry on!".
True words from the legendary Martha Wash.
Like many artists, Martha has felt the ups and downs of the rollercoaster-like music industry. From being the uncredited powerhouse vocalist behind C+C Music Factory's classic "Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)", to seeing her debut solo single "Carry On" reach the #1 spot - in her own name - Martha has unquestionably made her mark in music history.
Beginning her musical journey in the late 70's as one half of the disco group Two Tons of Fun, Martha found herself singing with the incomparable Sylvester. Twenty-some years later, fans still speak of how extravagant and over the top their shows were! Sylvester's falsetto rang loud and clear over the massive band sound while swooping through the horn and guitar sounds. The Two Tons added the icing on the cake with their booming vocal harmonies.
In the early 80's, the Two Tons proudly declared, "Hi, we're your Weather Girls" and a new talent emerged onto the scene. As part of the Weather Girls, Martha scored a Grammy Nomination for a song that was destined to become a cult classic. Yes, “It's Raining Men” – the original version that confirmed it was time to leave your umbrellas at home, rip off the roof and stay in bed. Martha continued to sing with the Weather Girls until the late 80's when she felt it was time to move on to the next tenure of her career.
Into the early 90's, Martha became one of the most sought after session singers and soon found herself recording for numerous acts - Seduction and C+C Music Factory to name a few. From "You're My One and Only (True Love)" to the already mentioned "Everybody Dance Now", Martha was all over radio airwaves and had club-goers moving to her distinct vocal styling.
However, riding high on the charts soon found turmoil for Martha. Her lead vocals on five singles helped to put the group Black Box on the music map. "Everybody Everybody", "I Don't Know Anybody Else" and "Strike It Up" were among their biggest hits – all of which still receive airplay some 15 years later. However, as this new era of dance music set in, she saw herself being replaced in music videos and promotional pictures by a “more marketable image”. Martha eventually received the recognition that was way overdue. Nevertheless, many wondered if she could really make it on her own. A challenge Martha was up for - she was about to prove that she was destined for solo success!
In 1993, Martha took control of her voice with her first solo, self-titled project. The CD, "Martha Wash", produced three #1 dance singles. "Carry On", "Give It To You", and "Runaround" all sky rocketed to the top of the Billboard charts. Martha appeared on numerous television shows to promote the album, including The Arsenio Hall Show where she opened the night singing "Everybody Dance Now". There was no longer any doubt what had made earlier groups so successful. It wasn't the “more marketable image” but rather Martha's incredible sound.
Todd Terry knew from day one that the way to have a hit song was to have a good melody, good lyrics, and a great voice, so in 1997 he called upon Martha and teamed her up with Jocelyn Brown. Their immense talents helped take his "Keep On Jumping" and "Something's Going On" singles to the number one spot. Having hit singles with her own name attached was something that Martha was now beginning to grow accustomed to and it wasn't going to stop there.
Success continued to follow Martha with her second solo CD in 1997. “The Collection” featured highlights from her twenty year long career as well as new singles, "Come", "Catch The Light", and "It's Raining Men...The Sequel" which featured Martha singing alongside Rupaul.
Martha then collaborated in 2000 with Small Voices Calling on their “Sounds Of A Better World” CD - a project that would benefit a variety of charities which find innovative ways of supporting children in their environment. "Listen To The People" saw her riding high on the charts once again and captured audiences worldwide with its' positive message of hope and inspiration.
Martha's most current project is one that is extremely close to her heart. In 2004, she began her own record company, Purple Rose Records, and immediately saw the first single, "You Lift Me Up" soar high into the top 5 on Billboard Magazine's Club Play Chart. She is currently recording material for her upcoming project which she says will be "inspirational and uplifting".
It's been a long and bumpy road for Martha, however, she continues to spread a positive message to unite people worldwide. Whether she is belting out a house groove or delivering a church-inspired gospel piece, you can be sure that her music will capture your attention and take it's place in music history.
http://www.martha-wash.com/
http://www.myspace.com/marthawash
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Charis
Founded by Cindy Sohn and Juliet Jackson in 1993 to be a chorus with a message, CHARIS - The St. Louis Women's Chorus is a lesbian chorus, open to all women. Our members differ in age, size, ethnic background, and abilities, but share a goal to seek musical excellence, voice messages of social justice, and create a fun and supportive place for all women. We are led by Aric Henson, former director of St. Louis' Gateway Men's Chorus Ensemble, who joined CHARIS as Artistic Director in 2004.
CHARIS prides itself on the diversity of its membership, program and audience. CHARIS comprises 25-40 women varying in age from 16 to 66. We represent a variety of ethnicities, sexual orientations, economic situations, and abilities and disabilities. Our programs have included a wide repertoire including pop, classical, spirituals, and world music. We have collaborated with other choruses, individual guest artists, and with other community arts and social services organizations. We market ourselves to the entire St. Louis metropolitan community and choose venues that are accessible and easy to reach by public transportation.
CHARIS offers a diverse repertoire and varied performance themes. Twice we have created concerts for families to include children in our performances, collaborating first with Stella Maris Early Childhood Center, and later with Family Tree, a support group for lesbian and gay parents. CHARIS has presented Broadway reviews with full choreography, and scripted performances for Women's History Month with historical and contemporary roles played by local Equity actresses. Several times in its past CHARIS performed cabaret-style concerts with accomplished guest artists including Denise Thimes, Kim Massie, and nationally known singer and activist Holly Near.
Other highlights of our history include partnering with St. Louis PFLAG and the Gateway Men's Chorus to present the narrated choral work, "Prayers for Bobby," which poignantly addresses the tragic issue of suicide among GLBTQ adolescents. CHARIS proudly performed before 3,000 singers and artistic directors in Tampa, Florida, at the Gay and Lesbian Association of Choruses (GALA) Festival in 1996. In both 1996 and 1997 CHARIS performed as part of "St. Louis Sings," a choral festival celebrating the diversity of the area's many choruses, at Powell Symphony Hall. In June 2001 CHARIS collaborated with the Gateway Men's Chorus to perform the St. Louis premiere of "Sing for the Cure," a 10-movement song cycle for eight-part chorus and full orchestra commissioned by the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Stretching its artistic wings, CHARIS collaborated with Gash-Voigt Dance Theatre to present an original work entitled Changing Woman in May 2002. In February 2006 CHARIS performed in "Sounds of Acceptance," a concert produced by the Human Rights Campaign.
St. Louis has many choruses. However, none of them share the mission of CHARIS or the opportunity for community involvement. Because CHARIS addresses issues of concern to women in general and lesbians in particular, we offer a unique view of both everyday issues and global concerns. Our concerts offer a chance for CHARIS to challenge ideas or stereotypes that people might have about women or lesbians, age, race, or any other "difference." Our concerts also offer a special opportunity for our audience members to see and hear their own ideas and feelings expressed by our chorus. We take pride in the fact that many people have told us that they left with a different, more positive view of the gay and lesbian community after attending one of our performances.
http://www.charischorus.org/
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Men's Chorus
Since its inaugural performance titled "One Voice" in April 1988, with only 22 singers, the Gateway Men's Chorus has become, in the words of The Riverfront Times, "an arts phenomenon". Music Director Michael Cohrs founded the Chorus in the fall of 1987. GMC grew both in size and artistry under the artistic direction of James Nacy, who led the Chorus for five years from September 1990. Since then GMC has performed a full season series of three major concerts each year.
Jeffrey Maynard took the reins as Artistic Director in the summer of 1996 and provided the Chorus with a strong focus on vocal technique and musicianship. The Chorus took the Powell Hall stage in October 1996 in "St. Louis Sings". June of 1997 saw one of the Chorus' greatest successes in a joint performance of "NakedMan" with the Heartland Men's Chorus of Kansas City. In June 1998 GMC returned to Powell Hall to record "Monuments", the first commercial CD. The following summer the Chorus brought author Armistead Maupin to St. Louis to narrate his "Music for Michael Mouse: Songs Inspired by 'Tales of the City'."
In June 2001, Merry Keller, Director of CHARIS, the St. Louis Women's Chorus directed GMC and CHARIS together in the very moving "Sing for the Cure", a benefit for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Also in 2001 the Gateway Men's Chorus concluded a nationwide search for its new Artistic Director, naming Merry Keller its first full-time Director in November 2001. Keller has, to date, led the men through five highly successful and musically diverse concerts: "Life is a Cabaret", "The Crystal Celebration" - GMC's 15th Anniversary Concert, and "A St. Louis Holiday" in 2002. "Singing for our Lives. Expressions of Hope" and "Broadway Bound!" were two very different concerts that delighted audiences in 2003. "A Saint Louis Holiday" was recorded live and in the studio and is now available for sale. In February 2003 the Chorus made a special appearance with internationally renowned soloist Ann Hampton Callaway in a benefit concert for AMC Cancer Research Center.
The Gateway Men's Chorus has become one of the most successful and long-lived performing arts organizations in St. Louis. GMC is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) corporation governed by a 12 member Board of Directors. More importantly, though, GMC has stayed true to its mission of producing beautiful male choral music and of presenting a positive image of gay men to the entire St. Louis community. Recognizing the impact the Chorus has on the local arts community, the Arts and Education Council of Greater St. Louis accepted the group as a member in 1994. Financial support has been received from the Missouri Arts Council, the Regional Arts Commission, the Arts and Education Council, the William A. Kerr Foundation, and the Gateway Foundation, as well as from corporations including American Airlines, Anheuser-Busch, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, and General American Insurance.
http://www.gatewaymenschorus.org/
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Eric Himan
photo by Tania Lezak
I can’t remember the first five years of my life but this is what I was told growing up by my Grandfather (Jerome):
“You were born in Charleston, South Carolina, Grandma and I came to live with you, your Father and sister after your Mom and Sister passed away when you were 4. I taught you to read your horoscope every day though you didn’t understand what you were talking about.”
When I was eight, my Dad bought me my very first guitar and tried to teach me how to play. I had no interest, though when I got in trouble, the only “toy” I was left with was that guitar. I picked it up and learned a few chords, then a few songs, and finally wanted to perform at the age of 14 at my high school. I was told, if I play my first show and did well, I would get my first acoustic guitar (what I really wanted all along, thanks Dad). I did just that winning most-talented in what turned out to be a beauty pageant for guys called Striking Viking. It was more of a joke with the format but my talent did shine enough for me to get my first acoustic guitar. I played out more and more, joining a band in college and getting a great following in the area. When it started to become an episode of “Behind The Music”(what a great show!), I went my own way with my best friend/manager at the time, Cassandra and started releasing my own music. I started looking for jobs in NYC to get my music more nationally heard, the day of my last interview for the job, was the day the interviewer’s parent passed away. My meeting was canceled and the original day and time was Tuesday morning of September 11th.
After that day, the job market in NYC was bleak, so I moved back to Penn State and started making my own music and touring around. I got recognition in local papers and some LGBT press and more and more folks came out to the shows. Eventually, I went further and further away from Pennsylvania touring all the way to the west coast and back. Releasing more CDs led to bigger opportunities sharing the stage with folks like Cyndi Lauper, Duncan Shiek and India Arie. After 5 years, I didn’t know if I was going to stay in music. I released five cds previously and all of them had their own lives and accolades. My first self-titled cd, got great reviews in Penn State local press. 2002’s I Go On received attention for the song, “No Urgency” which was requested to be on the HRC’s Love Rocks compilation alongside Melissa Etheridge, Christina Aguilera, Dixie Chicks and many more musical heavyweights. In 2003, All For Show launched me into LGBT media with reviews in national publications like Out Magazine, Genre, and Instinct. I also was featured on the front page of gay.com that ended up flooding my email for months after with folks interested in the music. After an attempt at working with hit making producers that wanted to make me some Frankenstein of what they thought I was about, I released 2005’s Dark Horse independently to even more press in and out of the LGBT press, including being listed in the 2005 OUT 100 list!
In 2006, Everywhere All At Once contained the song, Bartender, that became an instant hit with listeners and “Thanks” ended up at number 1 for five weeks on Sirius Radio’s OutQ station. I released a five song EP There’s Gotta Be Something that became the first music video I’ve ever done. The video spent six weeks at the #1 spot on the Click List, MTV LOGO’s request countdown.
In 2007, I was burned to a crisp from driving all over the country going strong for many years. It took about a month or two for me to go through my past and present to start writing my newest release, Resonate. Bringing my life out in the forefront, with references to my family, friends, and those I met on the road, the songs just seemed to write themselves. 2008’s Resonate is sure to bring light on songs such as “Little Boy Blue”, “For Me”, and “Protest Song” reaching new folks and touring even further than before. My best friend said, “Make the cd that is going to change your life”, and I think I just did.
http://erichiman.com/
www.myspace.com/erichiman
www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=622446130
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Gregory Douglas
“Gregory Douglass possesses the voice of an angel - an angel in league with a devil, who conspires to seduce you with beauty."
-Pamela Polston, Seven Days
"Rufus Wainwright´s opulent musicality and Justin Timberlake´s accessible soulfulness . . . Welcome to your new favorite singer-songwriter."
-Barry Walters, OUT Magazine
Gregory Douglass is an undeniable, pure talent. With 5 critically acclaimed, independent CDs under his belt, 25-year old Douglass delivers the songwriting skills of an "old soul" and "the voice of an angel" (Seven Days). His evocative amalgamation of contemporary folk, pop, and rock have been compared to Tori Amos, Jeff Buckley, Patty Griffin & Rufus Wainwright. Douglass’ numerous accolades include being a finalist for both the 2005 International Songwriting Competition and the 2004 Independent Music Awards; he was the winner of the 2003 GrammyFest Awards in New York City, as well as the inaugural performer on the American Red Cross "Save A Life Tour” in 2003. Douglass actively appears at listening rooms, clubs, festivals, and on campuses throughout the U.S., and has co-billed with They Might Be Giants, India Arie, Jason Mraz, Melissa Ferrick and many others. Douglass’ debut music video for “I Wanted To Run,” produced by Haverstick Films, is regularly airing on LOGO TV’s "Click List" Top 10 Video Countdown.
In November 2006, Douglass releases his sixth studio record Up & Away, immediately following the critical acclaim of his 2005 Stark release. Up & Away adorns a retrospective of Douglass’ life thus far, from the confessional chant-like opening track, “Light Don’t Shine” to the epic finale, “Up & Away,” declaring that “every new song seems an answer to prayers disregarded & undermined / oh what a life.” The sullen “Into The Sunset” summons it’s inspiration from the motion picture Brokeback Mountain, brooding over “a promise untouched by forces unknown to lovers.” Up & Away evokes a kinship in production to Douglass’ earlier releases, Teeter and Pseudo-Rotary but poses the secure sense of maturity that was introduced in his latest Stark release. “I wanted to really capitalize on my love for harmonies in this record as I had yet to do so; that’s the real signature for this one in my opinion,” says Douglass.
Douglass was born and raised in rural Vermont, winning local talent shows in his early teens. He taught himself to play the piano & guitar and began writing his own songs during junior high. While attending Brewster Academy, a college-prep boarding high school in New Hampshire, Douglass composed and recorded the material for his first two albums. On graduation day, the schools’ Headmaster presented him with a music award publicly announcing that Gregory was the first student he would ever encourage NOT to go to college, advice that convinced him to immediately pursue music full-time. Today, Douglass has firmly established himself as a serious musical talent nation wide.
With only six years of personal experience, Douglass has mastered the art of grassroots promotion with the help of his fan base. His last three recording efforts were financed almost entirely by the support of his fans pre-ordering records and contributing donations directly through his website. House Concerts hosted also by fans make up a large portion of his national touring. “As a full-time independent artist, it is important to come up with intimate, new ways to remind people your still there,” Douglass proclaims.
http://www.gregorydouglass.com/
http://www.myspace.com/gregorydouglass
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God-Des and She
God-des & She is comprised of two incredibly talented mid-western Hip-Hop & Soul singers that began their journey through the music scene with just a rhyme and a dream. These small town girls with big town ambitions quit their jobs and moved to New York in 2004 from Madison, Wisconsin. Over the last four years, it’s been their intense drive and incredible focus that has gained them their notoriety and helped them to burst onto the music scene and take the industry by storm!
After 7+ years of writing, recording and touring the United States & Europe together, God-des & She has morphed into an Intercontinental phenomenon! They got their first big break when they made their television debut on the Season 3 finale of Showtime’s hit series “The L Word” and they haven’t looked back since! That performance of their infamous hit song “Lick It” served as a launch pad for all of the amazing things that would follow. From a critically acclaimed drama series to music videos, God-des & She’s “Love You Better” broke records on MTV’s Logo network holding the #1 most requested spot on the charts for 15 weeks straight! But this was only the beginning; this dynamic duo went on to film and star in two documentaries which continue to still be aired on MTV’s Logo channel as well. As God-des & She were continuing to tour and record new music, they were offered a major label single contract with Sony Music Entertainment’s imprint label “Music With a Twist”.
In late 2006, they signed on the dotted line and joined the likes of the Gossip, Levi Kreiss, Tangela Bell and many other notable recording artists on the “Music With a Twist: Revolutions” CD.In addition to touring worldwide, God-des & She spent the majority of 2007 perfecting their newest full length album “Stand Up”, which will be officially released this Spring on June 17th. And who better to distribute this collection of infectious beats and catchy lyrics but The Orchard, the world’s leading distributor of digital music.
That’s right, God-des & She are going viral in 2008, after signing a 3 year distribution deal with this music label giant! Their entire catalog of music is set to become available worldwide on iTunes, Yahoo, Rhapsody, and Amazon just to name a few, and will be available by way of single and full album downloads, as well as mobile products and digital videos too! The signing of this monster deal coupled with the release of their new album has begun to generate an enormous industry buzz, and has caught the attention in particular of some major music publications.
The soon to be released sophomore album “Stand Up” is already receiving rave reviews in next months issues of both Billboard and NEXT magazines, featured below. This buzz has spilled over from print to TV once again, as God-des & She have been recently nominated by MTV for their first music award!! The nomination comes by way of the “Brink Of Fame: Music Artist” award where they will face off against bands like The Cliks on Logo’s 1st ever “New, Now, Next Awards” airing June 7th. With having already achieved an abundance of what were at one time considered to be inconceivable accomplishments, God-des & She have set the bar extremely high for themselves. God-des & She are both humbled and flattered by the tremendous support and fan ship they have received throughout the years, and can only hope for that to serve as a platform for their continued success!
http://www.god-des.com/
http://www.myspace.com/goddes
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Pride Places to Stay
Millennium Hotel St. Louis
200 South 4th Street
St. Louis
USA 63102-1804
(314) 241-9500 l http://www.millenniumhotels.com/millenniumstlouis
Water Tower Inn at Saint Louis University
3545 Lafayette Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63104
(314) 977-7500 | www.slu.edu/events/wti.html
Amenities include continental breakfast, data ports in every room, free local calls, guest laundry services, on-site parking. Located one mile south of campus at SLU's Salus Center.
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Pride Grand Marshals
Scott Fausz
Scott Fausz, a native Southeast Missourian, has proudly represented the leather community at various events statewide, as well as events nationally and internationally during his title year as Mr. Missouri Leather 2007. Scott has supported activities with Gateway MC, JJ's Clubhouse and Bar, FLOG-St. Louis, the Show-Me Bears, Pride St. Louis, Bad Dog Saloon, Gateway Men's Chorus, the Gateway Gay Rodeo Association, as well as numerous activities benefiting a variety of local charities including PAWS, Doorways, the MCC/AIDS Interfaith Network, Food Outreach, St. Louis Effort for AIDS, and the St. Louis Anti-Violence Advocacy Project. Scott calls the Tower Grove area home and resides with his two canine kids, Alex and Lucy.
Rev Carol
 
Hello! I started my journey at MCC as Senior Pastor on November 30, 2003. My primary areas of ministry are visioning, preaching, leadership development, spiritual guidance, and stewardship. I assist in areas of pastoral care and congregational education. My call to ministry is found in Luke 4:18, ³The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because God has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. God has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the time of God¹s favor.²
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Pride Kids
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Pride Royalty Competition
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According to the International Association of Pride Organizers, or “Interpride”, more than 20 million people take part in gay pride events worldwide!
