The new, the classic and the local will grace the stages in Piedmont Park next month as the Atlanta Pride Committee announces the 2016 festival entertainment lineup.
Grammy-winning pop/R&B singer Jody Watley (“Looking For A New Love,” “I Want You,” “Some Kind of Lover”) performs in the headlining spot on Saturday night. Watley, a former member of disco legends Shalamar (“The Second Time Around,” “Dancin’ in the Sheets”) before going solo in 1987, started a new group with new members called Shalamar Reloaded in 2014. The group will be performing both new and classic music at the festival.
Preceding Watley and Shalamar Reloaded will be a pair of singers with singles currently burning up the charts—newcomer Kiiara (“Gold”) and Swedish singer/songwriter Zara Larsson (“Lush Life,” “Never Forget You”).
Locals, DJs, returning favorites and others round out the lineup, with the annual drag extravaganza Starlight Cabaret wrapping things up on Sunday night.
“It is important to Atlanta Pride that we offer not only a stellar lineup of diverse artists from many genres, but also that our entertainment remain accessible to all members of our community. We believe that we have accomplished this again this year,” said Atlanta Pride Committee executive director Jamie Fergerson in a statement. “While many other large Pride celebrations have moved to ticketing portions of their festival, thanks to the support of Atlanta’s LGBT community and our sponsors alike, we can stay true to our commitment of keeping the festival and our entertainment free of charge.”
Fergerson added, “Of course we are also excited to continue the tradition of closing out the festival with the beloved Starlight Cabaret. After a weekend of great performances from artists locally and nationally recognized, there’s no better way to top that off than with our own community stepping up with talented and entertaining drag performances!”
A complete lineup of both the Bud Light and the Coca-Cola Stages is below, followed by some selected videos from the artists.
COCA-COLA STAGE
Saturday, October 8
Tris Day
Amythyst Kiah & Her Chest of Glass
Erica Dawson Exclusive
The Mad Violinist
Nina Sky
Kiiara
Zara Larsson
Jody Watley & Shalamar
Sunday, October 9
Michel Jons Band
DJ Citizen Jane
Deven Green
JD Samson
Starlight Cabaret
BUD LIGHT STAGE
Saturday, October 8
Royce Hall
Von Grey
Motor Earth
Pale Clear
Jason Maek & Zaena
Queer Your Gender Dance Party
Sunday, October 9
DJ Fannie