There won't be a Nicki Minaj versus Lil Kim drama storm, a Brandy sing-a-long or Kelly Rowland waving to the masses at this year's Black Gay Pride. Expect old-fashioned block parties, plenty of great music from up-and-coming artists, and still a few notable names including Elle Varner, Fantasia and Melanie Fiona.
Tough economic times are taking a toll on Black Gay Pride promoters known for bringing in the big names and many decided this was the year to cut back and work to produce quality parties with great talent at affordable pricing.
For the first time ever, Traxx Atlanta, Rockstars Production and the Lions Den are combining their VIP and Club Hopper passes so participants can purchase one pass from any promoter and have access to all parties the promoters are producing.
Traxx Girls is one of the top party promoters for women who love women. During Atlanta Black Gay Pride each year, it brings in such top entertainers as Nicki Minaj, Missy Elliott, Ciara, Amber Rose and, this year, Brandy.
The company’s CEO and owner is Melissa Scott, 36, a woman who readily acknowledges she likes to work hard and party hard. In late October, Traxx Girls was honored as Co-Promoter of the Year at the Second Annual MillerCoors T.A.P. Awards.
Scott, also known as DJM, has owned Traxx Girls for five years.
Each year, party promoters for Black Gay Pride are able to bring top celebrities to Atlanta over Labor Day weekend to the appreciation of tens of thousands of people who flock to the city from around the country to participate in the largest event of its kind.
Last year, Nicki Minaj, Fantasia, Lil Kim, Kelly Rowland and Amber Rose were just a few of the divas to perform or simply make an appearance and say hi to thousands of adoring fans.
This year is no different with stars hosting events, performing and doing walk-throughs at dozens of locations during Labor Day weekend. So, who’s going to be in Atlanta this weekend helping to make memories for Black Gay Pride attendees? Here’s a sampling of some of the top-notch entertainment slated:
Before planning your weekend, check out these great events happening around gay Atlanta
It was a bittersweet holiday season for Wynter Robinson, daughter of the late Durand Robinson, the co-owner of Traxx Atlanta who was killed in August.
“The holidays were difficult but I gave back to the community, a tradition my father instilled in me to go into underprivileged neighborhoods and help,” she said.
Robinson, 24, said she purchased gifts for a 5-year old girl who had no other gifts.
“I bought her a lot of presents. It was something he [her father] would have done,” she said.