Scissor Sisters’ Ana Matronic, stars from RuPaul’s Drag Race, Ohio-born JD Samson, electro-pop rising star, hip-hop artist and more to entertain thousands in downtown Cleveland this August
CLEVELAND (May 14, 2014) – The 2014 Gay Games presented by the Cleveland Foundation is thrilled to announce Festival Village’s headlining entertainers, an exciting and eclectic lineup of national and international performers who will take the stage in downtown Cleveland from August 10-15.
The diverse lineup includes an artist whose hits reached No. 1 in the United States and United Kingdom, fan favorites from the popular show RuPaul’s Drag Race, a hip-hop artist who just became the first gay rapper to appear on a network late-night show, a local artist with an international following, and up-and-coming indie musicians getting major attention from national media.
Located on Mall C in downtown Cleveland, Festival Village will open Sunday, August 10, from 2 p.m. to midnight. On Monday through Friday, August 11-15, the Village will kick off the end of each day’s competition starting at 4 p.m.
The headliners will be:
Sunday, August 10 (Village open 2 p.m.-midnight)
DJ Joe Gauthreaux, the New York-based, internationally known house DJ and producer, will be joined by DJ Saint and DJ Glisten as they spin the Dancin’ fundraiser, produced in conjunction with the AIDS Taskforce of Greater Cleveland, an affiliate of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation.
Monday, August 11 (Village open 4-11 p.m.)
JD Samson and MEN: The high-energy Brooklyn, N.Y.-based band is fronted by Samson, the Ohio-born former member of Le Tigre.
Tuesday, August 12 (Village open 4-11 p.m.)
Bright Light Bright Light: The rising star of electro-pop has been called the “hottest new thing in music” by Elton John.
Wednesday, August 13 (Village open 4-11 p.m.)
Jenny Owen Youngs: Also based in Brooklyn, Youngs has been called compelling, sophisticated and heartfelt by the Washington Post.
Thursday, August 14 (Village open 4-11 p.m.)
Detox: Finishing in the top four as a contestant on the fifth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race, Detox is known for her comedy parodies and unique style that has gotten her noticed in music videos from Rihanna, Kesha and Lady Gaga.
Le1f: The New York-based rapper and hip hop performer made his national television debut on The Late Show with David Letterman in March.
Friday, August 15 (Village open 4 p.m.-midnight)
Ana Matronic: The female lead singer and songwriter of the Grammy-nominated, chart-topping Scissor Sisters will bring her solo act to Festival Village.
Drag queen, actor, comedian and recording artist Pandora Boxx, best known as a former contestant on RuPaul’s Drag Race, will be the celebrity hostess for Monday through Friday.
The complete schedule with additional entertainers, including many local artists, will be announced in the upcoming weeks.
“Festival Village is the hub and heart of activities for all Gay Games participants, their friends and families, spectators and members of the general public,” says Brian Thornton, co-chair of the Festival Village committee. “It’s where community and connections will be formed, and where thousands of people will gather to meet up with friends, to meet new people, to celebrate their personal victories, to be entertained, to eat and drink, and to otherwise relax and enjoy Cleveland+Akron hospitality.”
John Farina, co-chair of the Festival Village committee, said attendees can expect a full schedule of incredible entertainment, activities, food, alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, vendors and services. “Each night, the gold, silver and bronze winners from each of that day’s sporting events will be honored with a special recognition ceremony,” he said. “We’ll celebrate them while entertaining everyone—and visitors will delight in returning night after night to discover what surprises are in store.”
Festival Village is free for all, with donations requested at the gate.
For more information, visit
www.2014GayGames.com.
PARTICIPANT REGISTRATION DEADLINE 31 MAY to avoid late fees
Participation in the Gay Games is open to all adults. Complete general registration by 31 May to avoid late fees assessed in June. Register today
here.
About the Gay Games
The Gay Games is an international sporting and cultural event held every four years under the founding principles of Participation, Inclusion and Personal Best™. Launched in 1982, the Games invite participation from everybody, regardless of sexual orientation, race, gender, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, political beliefs, athletic or artistic ability, age, physical challenge or health status.
The Games are intended to bring a global community together in friendship, to experience participation, to elevate consciousness and self-esteem, and to achieve a form of cultural and intellectual synergy. The Gay Games is open to anyone 18 years or older. About 10 percent of participants are from outside the LGBT community.
The 2014 Gay Games presented by the Cleveland Foundation will be August 9-16, 2014, in venues around Cleveland and Akron, Ohio, in the United States. More than 35 sports and culture events will be held, with 20,000 to 30,000 people from more than 40 countries expected to participate.
For more information, connect with the 2014 Gay Games presented by the Cleveland Foundation:
About the Cleveland Foundation
The Cleveland Foundation is the world’s first community foundation and one of the largest today, with assets of $1.86 billion and 2012 grants of $91 million. Through the generosity of donors, the foundation improves the lives of Greater Clevelanders by building community endowment, addressing needs through grantmaking and providing leadership on vital issues.
As part of its centennial year in 2014, the Cleveland Foundation is proud to be the first presenting sponsor in Gay Games history. The foundation’s support of the Games continues its long-standing commitment to social justice and inclusion.
For more information on the Cleveland Foundation: