shOUT 2013

Description

Local Gay Businesses and Organizations Unify to Present shOUT 2013,

 a celebration in honor of National Coming Out Day

The Kansas City Diversity Coalition, in partnership with Social Bar Kansas City, Bistro 303, Missie B's and Sidekicks is proud to announce a new event celebrating National Coming Out Day (October 11, 2013).  In conjunction with the opening registration of the Heart of America Softball League's Show Me Showdown Tournament, a street blast is scheduled for the evening of October 11, 2013 in front of Social Bar at 1118 McGee from 6pm until 2am. Other local businesses and organizations are welcome to join in this fun and collaborative effort.

In an effort to provide a more substantial celebration of equal rights following the rulings by the Supreme Court on the Defense of Marriage Act, along with celebrating National Coming Out Day, in late June the KCDC approached community leaders and past Kansas City Pride organizers to plan OUTfest, an updated version of Out in Westport that has been around for years. Social Bar and the Heart of America Softball League had already begun discussions in early May regarding a street festival to launch the Show-Me Showdown Softball Tournament running October 11-13. Since these two events would be on the same weekend, the parties agreed that combing efforts would be best, showing once again the unity of our community organizations, businesses and individuals all across the Kansas City Metro Area.

Terri Goddard and Michael Flinn are co-chairing the event, which in its inaugural year has been deemed shOUT 2013.  The Kansas City Diversity Coalition and other local organizations will be providing support and/or volunteers for the one-night event.  The street blast will feature an array of national acts of artists that are proudly, openly, and publicly out.

This year’s entertainment include: Colby Melvin and Brandon Brown, Eric Himan, Steve Grand, Latrice Royale, and Frenchie Davis.  Other local performers and DJ's will also be present at the celebration.

Colby Melvin and Brandon Brown of COLBRA Entertainment are two active and vocal figures on marriage equality.  As a real life couple, both have modeled for Andrew Christian apparel, and have appeared in multiple online parody videos surrounding the 2012 presidential elections targeted at Republican party figures.  They are coming to Kansas City on their #LiveBrave Tour for National Coming Out Day

Eric Himan has appeared in Kansas City before and returns once again from Tulsa, bringing his music and celebration of his experiences as an out artist.  This will be Himan's second visit to Kansas City in the past year, having previously played at Social Bar in the spring.

Steve Grand's rise to fame over the summer came from the catchy tune "All-American Boy".  A former model, Grand is successfully crossing over from a pretty face on the runway to a serious voice in music.  This will be Grand's first appearance in Kansas City.

Latrice Royale garnered attention on the LOGO program RuPaul's Drag Race.  Her personality is as vibrant as her wardrobe, and she hasn't let any crowd down with her wit and humor.  This will be a first performance in Kansas City.

Franchell "Frenchie" Davis is an American Broadway performer and a soul, dance/electronica and pop singer. She was also a contestant on the second season of American Idol.   Davis performed in RENT on Broadway in 2003 and was a member of the cast for four years. In 2011, Davis became a Top 8 semi-finalist and came in Second place on Christina Aguilera’s team on the first season of The Voice.  This will be the first appearance in Kansas City for Davis, an out lesbian since 2012.

Each artist brings a caliber of entertainment that is unique.  The goal in organizing the lineup is to offer variety to the diverse interest of the community and allow an opportunity for individuals to come together and celebrate the coming out process, and the progress made within the judicial system over the past year.

The festival will also feature some family friendly activities, and is open to all ages.  The evening will be hosted by two of Kansas City’s best—FLO and Dirty Dorothy.  Local DJ’s Tabitha, Remix, Chad Slater and Jerry Griffith have all been confirmed.  There will be many local performing artists and even a two-hour session featuring only local women artists and musicians.  There is truly going to be something for everyone.  Persons under age 13 must be accompanied by an adult.  The event will be held on October 11 from 6pm until 2am between 11th and 12th streets and McGee.  This is the street directly in front of Social Bar Kansas City and the brand new Downtown Pizza, located inside Social.  There will be a $5 cover for all persons coming to the festival.  Drinks and food will be available for purchase inside the grounds.  There will be local community/business vendor booths available.

There is an opportunity for anybody to meet and greet the entertainers prior to their stage appearance in a special shOUT Meet & Greet Outdoor Lounge.  Tickets for access to the lounge are $100 and include access to a VIP Bar and special color wristbands for unlimited cocktails throughout the evening.  These tickets may be purchased at Social Bar Kansas City at 1118 McGee.  Press badges will be available for the event.   Please contact terri.goddard@yahoo.com with any questions about media set up and appearances inside the grounds.