Pride's Got Talent finalists to perform on Pride in London Stage & Winner announced

Pride in London has announced the finalists of their first annual Pride's Got Talent competition.

Entertainers and performing artists of every kind were judged by an expert panel on Sunday 15th June. The judges chose one overall winner and eleven runners-up from hundreds who applied. The winner, Dorian Reland, is to perform in Trafalgar Square at Pride in London on 28th June.

Dorian Reland, a singer, was the overall winner of the first ever Pride’s Got Talent contest for Pride in London. Over four hundred performers applied for the chance to appear on the stage in Trafalgar Square and the judges, supported by Pride in London’s stage producer Ian Massa-Harris, whittled that down to just one overall winner and eleven runners-up.

The winner, Dorian Reland sings powerful songs that reflect contemporary LGBT+ themes. He’s sure to go down a storm in Trafalgar Square, feeding off the incredible energy of the Pride crowd. You can find Dorian Reland online here: Dorian on YouTube.com

We were delighted to see a number of women in the list of finalists. A few notable ones were:

Sophie DeBattista
Sophie is a 20 year old singer songwriter originally from Malta, now based in London.

She is now working with top producers and her tunes are starting to receive some attention in the UK and Europe.

Sophie says: “Music is my life. I love writing, playing & performing my original material. Style is based on pop, but love giving it my own twist, to create a unique sound. Sincerely hope you like what I do, would love to welcome you on board my journey!! xoxo”


Doremi Fly
Out with the old in with the new , DRM FLY aka (Doremi Fly) are a very creative Girl Band Duo. The band consists of Careya (singer/songwriter/pianist/model/actor) and Jamina (singer/model/actor), these girls are very ambitious and multi talented. The duo have continued to rise after their #1 Single in the French and Itunes Charts titled “Tonight” Featuring DJ Oriska and Keenan Cahill early in 2013.

They have overcome great obstacles and have stuck to their guns as far as being driven to succeed in the music business. Their motto is to Entertain the masses and set trends for the new age pop music era, with a huge catalogue of music their work ethic is above standard and their live performances are ones to remember.

 

Elena Ramona
Elena Ramona is a 24 year old singer song writer based in Guildford Surrey. She grew up on the Greek island of Skiathos, with her English mother, Greek father and brother. Music, singing and song writing have always been her passion.

Her debut single “Rise” was inspired by the love and support her family have given her. The music for ‘Rise’ was co-written and recorded by her good friend Martyn Corbet who has been a major influence on her work.




Jes Stretton
Rising soulful/pop//R&B artist Jes Stretton, 23, from Wigan, has been working hard in the studio ready for her brand new EP 'Surrender' which was released on the 18th May!

Since November 2012, Jes has been performing all over Europe with her music.

The latest in her long line of achievements is performing at last years Liverpool Pride in front of 65,000 people. Jes is currently doing gigs & festivals all the north-west, trying to raise her profile and get her music heard!


Adam All
Of course we all know Adam All!

Drag King Adam All is the creation of Jen Powell. Jen first performed in drag 12 years ago and since Adam's initial inception has gone on to perform across the UK and now runs a monthly Cabaret Drag King Night in Soho. An advocate of drag and avid suppporter of the emerging Drag King scene, Jen strongly believes in encouraging new Kings and promoting existing talent. 


Naomi Young

London based singer, songwriter, drummer, guitarist. Currently singing & songwriting with lead guitarist Senad Veliu. Also known for her work in Dance, dubstep group NYRO-B featuring DJ Albstep, bringing a new sound combining R&B, D&B, Dubstep and Psy Music.

Orlaith Rose Comer
Orlaith is a singer/song-writer from Northern Ireland.

She has been on Britain's Got Talent, and made it to the top 180 out of 40,000 contestants!









A bit about the Judges
The judges of course, as experts in their fields had a few words to say about the event and the talent they got to enjoy. Here's what the judges said:

Gary Butler, Chief Executive, Multi Media Entertainments Group said:

"Pride's Got Talent is an excellent way for people from your communities to showcase their talent. It gives them the chance to bring their work to a bigger stage - quite literally. I feel proud to have been part of Pride's Got Talent for London Pride at the start of its journey.”

Dr J, Photographer, performer and DJ with Bar Wotever said:

"It's been fascinating to see the range of talent on London's eclectic performance scene. As well as the winners, there were some people I would love to see come down to Bar Wotever to hone their skills."

Sean Jeffrey, JAM artist management and West End musician said:

"We've seen so many different types of performer that Simon Cowell would be jealous. I've been excited that we've seen some who show potential to develop great careers in their field."

Ian Massa Harris, Pride in London Stages Producer said:

“We promised that we would be a Pride of and for the community and Pride’s Got Talent is a fantastic way for new acts from across the LGBT+ community to raise their profile. The winner and runners up will be performing in front of the demanding and influential London LGBT+ audience in Trafalgar Square and Dean Street. We look forward to developing Pride’s Got Talent further next year.”

Nearly 400 applicants were whittled down to a final 100 that were reviewed by the judges.


The boring bits:
GOT TALENT® used with the kind permission of FremantleMedia

Buzz cut season at Barberette

On May the 11th Barberette is gave customers and friends the opportunity to have their own G. I. Jane moment – all for a good cause... A sponsored head-shaving event all in aid of Moorfields Eye Hospital!

The talented barber has had a personal brush with eyesight problems when her partner Sam suddenly lost sight in one eye last summer. She has chosen to raise funds for Moorfields Eye Hospital as they provided fantastic support over this difficult time and ensured that Sam received the best possible care.

 

The goal was to raise as much money as we can over the next few weeks- with an official target of £300.

Barberette welcomed involvement in this fantastic event- whether it was being brave enough to step forwards and shave a head (all genders welcome), sponsoring through the Virgin Money page, or turning up on the day to provide support / food and drink and turning it into a party.

 

But the drastic cut also marks a new stage for Barberette. She says "I’d reached the point where I just couldn’t keep up with client demand so that’s why I’ve employed Enric. It’s great that we can offer double the appointments and a wide range of styles".

Under the radar of the Dalston scene, Barberette has been steadily building up a client base offering a distinctive hair styles from sharp and tidy to quiffs, flat tops, sculpted and decorative clipper work – as well as as well as traditional cut throat razor shave.

Barberette is about supporting other creative people. The regular exhibitions in the shop are part of that. If you haven’t already, check out the artwork from Camberwell Arts College graduate Charlotte Lucy Whitehead now on show. I’m also really pleased to be teaming up with Hackney-born author of The Girl with the Treasure Chest V A Fearon, for this Fundraiser.

Barberette says "We received amazing support so far, thank you so much and the total raised to day incl. Gift Aid: is £754.14"

3rd Dyke March London – June 21, 2014

A celebration of dyke diversity and culture in London and the UK, Dyke March London takes place on 21 June, starting at 2.30pm on Hamilton Place (W1J 7BQ). Expect colourful outfits, chanting, banners and general queerness in a march through central London. Dykes and our allies are coming together to make ourselves seen and heard on the streets and to celebrate the important steps taken towards equality for the LGBTQ* community in the UK. At the same time we march to raise awareness that we are far from true equality for all members of our community.

Speakers:
The Safra Project is a Muslim women’s organisation.

http://safraproject.org/
Sarah Brown: A former Lib Dem councillor in Cambridge, activist and blogger, Sarah will speak about transgender women and lesbianism.

http://sarahlizzy.com/

For the first time, the march will be followed by an after-party, hosted by Bar Titania (75 Charing Cross Rd, London WC2H 7PY), one of the few queer women’s spaces in central London. From 6pm they are opening their doors (free entry) to a dyke extravaganza with food, music, cocktails, dancing and a special appearance by Adam All and Apple Derrierès, drag king cabaret act extraordinaire http://adamall.co.uk. Classic and contemporary queer film posters courtesy of Peccadillo Pictures will bring glamour to the celebration.

Dyke March London takes its inspiration from the international dyke march movement which started in North America in the 1990s.

Dyke March London is about dykes. We support dyke visibility and celebrate our love and passion for women and all dykes. Dyke March London is for everyone: dykes, queers, bisexuals, trans* women and allies. This is a grassroots, non-commercial, anti-racist, community-centred, accessible, inclusive event: we welcome all folk who want to support dykes to march with us.

Edinburgh Previews: Zoe Lyons & Jen Brister

Award-winning comics Zoe Lyons and Jen Brister present a preview of their latest Edinburgh shows.

Straight from a successful run in Melbourne, Jen Brister's show is called Wishful Thinking.  Jen wants to be more politically active, she wants to take a stand for the things she believes in! But she also wants to go to the garden centre. Can she fit it all in or is that just Wishful Thinking?

Zoe Lyons latest Edinburgh offering is a compilation of her greatest hits. Without a doubt this will be some fun-packed hour.  Resident MC, Maureen Younger, will be  hosting the night.

Monday 21st July
The Retro Bar
2 George Court
London
WC2N 6HH

Doors: 19:00
Show: 20:00

Tickets £8/£6

Tickets are available via www.wegottickets.com/event/274133 or email maureen@maureenyounger.com.

FOLLOWING THE RAINBOW BRICK ROAD: Heather Peace unveils Europe’s first rainbow crossing in Brighton for LGBT Pride Month

(reposted from Planet Brighton)

Madeira Drive in Brighton was given a bold makeover this morning as street artwork representing Europe’s first official ‘rainbow crossing’ was unveiled to celebrate the release of We Can Change, a new song celebrating LGBT Pride month and championing equal rights by actress, musician and local resident, Heather Peace.

Created by local artists overnight, the rainbow stretches across the road at the artists’ quarter of Madeira Drive and is expected to attract hundreds of people keen to follow the rainbow brick road for the first time in Europe.*




Over the last few years, rainbow crossings have become synonymous around the world as a celebration of diversity. The first crossing was launched in West Hollywood in 2012 by artist Martin Duvander, who said that they were a milestone for the LGBT movement: “The sheer impact and the enormous visibility of the global message they send are truly immeasurable.” Since then, official crossings have been unveiled in cities including Sydney, Melbourne and Tel Aviv, while unofficial DIY crossings have popped up in places like Moscow, Paris, Shanghai and Cambodia as marks of protest and solidarity for LGBT people.



Photographer: Michelle Robek

Says Heather Peace: “I knew there could be no better place in Europe to create a Rainbow Crossing than in my home town of Brighton. We Can Change, is my big gay anthem. It’s an empowering tribute to equality and I wanted the crossing to be a beautiful symbol to represent that during LGBT Pride month. It’s a gift from me to anyone that embraces diversity.”

Julieanne Gilburt and street artist Cassette Lord led the creation of the crossing artwork alongside a team of artists from the JAG Gallery and the Modern Gallery on Madeira Street. She said: “We’ve loved creating the rainbow crossing. It’s a beautiful message and a perfect addition to the artists’ quarter on Madeira Street. We hope everyone will come down and enjoy it.”

Caroline Lucas, MP for Brighton Pavilion said: “This is a great tribute to that spirit of diversity and inclusiveness embraced by our city. Brighton is such a creative, colourful place and the new rainbow crossing wonderfully reflects that. It’s a lovely and fitting addition in the run up to Pride 2014.”

Brighton & Hove City Council’s LGBT champion, Councillor Phelim Mac Cafferty, said: “We love the idea of this artwork and fully support it as a celebration of our city’s lead on equalities issues. I’m proud that once again we are on the global stage for our continued stance against prejudice.”


Photographer: Michelle Robek

Heather Peace is an actress, musician and gay icon who has appeared in the top ten of the Independent On Sunday’s Pink List twice, graced the cover of DIVA Magazine more times than any other artist and headlined Sydney Mardi Gras’ Fair Day. She’s also a patron for Diversity Role Models, Manchester Pride and a supporter of The Peter Tatchell Foundation, The Albert Kennedy Trust, Womankind and Stonewall. She will perform at various Pride events this summer, including Brighton Pride before embarking on her own UK tour in October.

* Please note: Government traffic regulations mean that the ‘rainbow crossing’ artwork cannot be considered as an official pedestrian crossing.

While residents and visitors are invited to come and admire this lovely artwork, for very obvious safety reasons people should not treat it as a crossing point where pedestrians have any form of priority over vehicles.

SHE with Pride

It's that time of the year when Pride in London is upon us! SHE will be working with KU during the day to bring you lots of music and dancing! SHE will be open till 3am the night of pride with DJ’s Poppy L Kav & Cat La Chappelle.

May saw us work with ProudPlanet at ‘She’s Quizzical’ where we raised lots of money for women’s visibility and involvement in London Pride.
 
On Sunday 8th June the SHE girls will be taking part (dressed as superhero’s) in the Walk for Life to raise money for the Terrence Higgins Trust. All donations would be very welcome and you can simply do this here http://tinyurl.com/SHEWFL
 
May introduced SHE’s new ‘She Soho Selfie’ competition. Girls and guys all over the country have been taking part in this fun and interactive competition. Simply taking (a sort of) selfie in the SHE mirror and uploading it to Instagram & hastagging #shesohoselfie
 
We have had an enormous response and we love it! Lots of prizes have been given away so we will continue to run this competition through to the summer.

Bringing back a host of our popular nights such as Over & Out, She’s Quizzical and Boi Box, we host a physic night on the 22nd June this month. Kalie Jade is well known within the scene as she has held readings at a variety of big lesbian nights such as G3:PM. Customers can pre book a reading or just come down on the night.
 
Due to popular demand ‘The Backseat’ will return in June and run bi-monthly so you get a double whammy of soul, Motown and make out music. This is a night that is going to become huge!

"The Thin Line" Interview with Heather Peace

When the name Heather Peace is uttered, it always creates a flutter in the lesbian population.

Since gracing our screens in London's Burning, (probably something about a woman in uniform) and then as the highly popular Sam in BBC 2's lesbian drama Lip Service (2010-12), plus a four season stint on BBC1's Waterloo Road, Heather Peace has made waves amongst her LGBT fanbase.

However it's now time for the music as Peace is set to launch her second album The Thin Line - since her music debut in 2012 - followed by a UK tour.

Recently, Peace toured Australia including a performance at the renowned Sydney Mardi Gras, which she thoroughly enjoyed, as well as presenting the parade for the Australian TV (BBC2 equivalent) coverage.
 
Peace's decision to leave Waterloo Road, and concentrate on the second album now was driven by a desire to give the fans what they want. Following the success of the first album and the growing dedicated fan base, whom Peace credits as very "sweet, generous, respectful and the reason I get to do a job I love", she did not want to keep them hanging on too long.

And she says, it was the "right time" to give up working in Glasgow for 9 months of the year after celebrating her civil partnership in 2013.
 
The album is supported by a UK tour, which Peace is looking forward to, helped by the fact she "loves performing". There will be a number of Pride dates (York, Glasgow and "home city" Brighton) as well as a mix of Academy venues and one of her most enjoyable "incredible" venues, the Smooth Radio Waterfront event in Liverpool. Peace still enjoys the chance to support charity Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research and the opportunity to sing a solo at a packed Royal Albert Hall in aid of the organisation is a career highlight.

In response to the obligatory Lip Service question, and her reaction to the cliff hanger ending, Peace said that she's still surprised her role in Lip Service continues to attract interest in the media and from fans (it's three years since she finished filming the final episode). In particular she's pleased to see LGBT characters become much more part of mainstream TV, with characters in the major soaps. She's proud that Lip Service paved the way for more visibility on our screens. Peace does admit she wishes there could have been some viewer-satisfying conclusion to the unduly short lived show.


The second album is a blend of the intense, evocative songs one might expect from Peace, alongside some more upbeat sounds including the anthemic, uplifting summer tune We Can Change which will be the first single off the album, chosen for its "catchy" sing-a-long-ability.

Catch Heather at Stokey Stop on Tuesday 10 June.

The new album The Thin Line and first single We Can Change are released on 9th June. Go to www.heatherpeace.com for more info, to get your hands on a copy, and for full tour updates.

By Katie