Carol Plunk
Born with music in her blood and rock in her soul, Carol explored her musical talent early by joining in, self taught, on bluegrass jam sessions. A native of Tennessee, Carol has made a name for herself in Memphis, the birthplace of rock and roll. The National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences presented Carol with the 2000 Premier Player "Newcomer of the Year" award, and she was a nominee in the 2002 "Female Vocalist of the Year" category.
Breaking into more national markets, in September 2002 she performed on the Food Network program, "Food Nation with Bobby Flay." The program originally aired in February 2003 for more than 20 million viewers across the nation, and the show's soundtrack featured music from her 2001 CD release titled, "A Piece of Me" throughout the entire show.
Notable performances include the 1996 Summer Olympics, Invasion of the GoGirls SXSW Showcase in Austin, TX and the Memphis In May Beale Street Music Festival attended by 175,000 people.
Summer Osborne
Imagine if Adele, Carole King, and Joss Stone had a love child… it would be Summer Osborne. Music is often described by genre, but Summer cannot be put into a category. She is a symphonic smorgasbord. Her music can loosely be described as folk soul, acoustic rock, and piano pop… but you will hear glimpses of jazz, blues, and comedy. She writes and sings real music about real life and every show is an emotional experience! It is the evolution of the soul – one song at a time.
Summer has been on stage since age four, but has been performing her original tunes for fans since 2005. During that time, lyrics and melodies have been continuously flowing through her, resulting in five full albums and an EP. Songs From A Rolling Black Chair, Summer’s debut album, deals with the drama of coming out. Her sophomore release, Don’t Call Me Mrs. Osborne, is a “vanilla” production for the small farm community from whence she came. It’s About Damn Time, Summer’s third CD, features a transcendence of genres as she further honed her craft. Her fourth CD, Winter Driven Summer, describes her walk through the depths of her mother’s illness and eventual death. Summer’s latest full album, Revelation, is upbeat and infused with love. This summer, she released an EP, With Love…
Since deciding to focus on her musical career (performing and writing) full time in 2009, Summer has been constantly on tour, doing shows at venues and festivals. She has played music at Pridefests all over the Mid-West US & Canada: Pridefest St. Louis (2005-2011); Vancouver Pride – British Columbia, Canada (2011); Mid-MO Pride – Columbia, MO (2011); Halifax Pride - Nova Scotia, Canada (2010); Mid-South Pride - Memphis, TN (2005 & 2010); Springfield Pride - Springfield, MO (2009); Kentuckiana Pride - Lexington, KY (2009); Metro East Pride - Belleville, IL (2008 and 2011). Summer has shared the stage with The Indigo Girls, God-Des and She, Tiffany, Jen Foster, Sugarbeach, The Cliks, Crystal Waters, Betty, Martha Wash, RJ Helton, Jennifer Holliday, Kimberley Locke, Tret Fure, and Shannon Curtis.
Whether her audience is small and intimate or large and out of control, whether she is solo with her guitar and piano or backed by the band, as long as she has a microphone to carry her words, she always delivers. If you have a chance to see her live - it will prove to be a gift to be remembered. Her Mission for 2011 is Operation Infect the Nation ((with love)).
Porcelan Chalet
Destined for stardom since day one, Porcelan Chalet began trying her hand at songwriting before the age of twelve. While performing in school plays and winning singing competitions around Memphis, she wrote and recorded her first song, “The Best In Me” at age 16. With an already seasoned voice, Porcelan became addicted to the studio and challenging her vocals. “When I’m in the booth, I feel like this is where I’m supposed to be, “she says. “I constantly challenged my emotions, evolving my songwriting abilities and punctuating my own sound. I wanted to be clear as to who Porcelan Chalet really is.”
Currently working on her first independent studio album, set to be released early next year, Porcelan is already getting quite the buzz amongst the independent music world and catching the eyes of some very well-known majors as well. “The girl is a beast and her music is honest,” says her manager Seven Moore. “I’ve never seen someone so determined, so hungry and so damn talented, not to mention she’s drop dead gorgeous!” Her sound is universally appealing in its r&b-soul offerings --infectious hooks are plenty, but the arrangements are intricate in how many layers there are to listen to. Porcelan represents a new breed of female artist. She’s strong and fearless, yet her voice is smooth and sultry, raspy but full and powerful. “I’ve always been a tom-boy, so my songs often have a hip-hop edge, but I still like to keep it pretty.” Porcelan believes as an artist her music should convey a sense of reality, because life is full of heartbreak, love, failure and success.
Gloryholes
Brando Little met Rod Henson while working at the Pumping Station. Both felt a connection, but couldn't put a figure what it was until Augie Lopez told Rod, that Brando played guitar in a punk band called Lazy Affair. Augie then informed Brando that Rod was a musician as well and he thought "Finally! I can start a gay band!"
As Memphis’ only gay punk band, the Gloryholes will bring high energy music and lyrics to the festival.
Sibella
Sibella’s sound is reminiscent of the Indigo Girls and Jack Johnson with a splash of cello and congas. After a two-year break the band has returned stronger than ever with new songs and an earthy percussion beat. This three woman Memphis band is comprised of Tamar Love, Valentine Leonard, and Sarah Ford.
The intellectual styling of Sibella’s music encourages an upbeat and engaging musical experience. With songs ranging from lighthearted stories to matters of personal experience as well as references to social and political issues, their original music provides the audience with insight, optimism and fun.
Tamar Love is active in the symphony and throughout Memphis performing as a master cellist. She also stays busy as a music teacher for the Memphis City Schools. Love transitions to multiple stringed instruments throughout Sibella performances from banjo to bass guitar. Love’s vocal abilities are smooth with a raw edge which gives each song a natural folk sound with the sophistication of an experienced musician. Her cello lines soar above the music giving Sibella a uniquely attractive sound.
Valentine Leonard hails from Paris, France, where she grew up soaking up cosmopolitan influences from Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Her passion for creativity in thought and culture led her to complete a Ph.D. in philosophy, and to facilitate creative writing workshops and retreats. She strives to integrate in all movement and expression the balance and vibrancy she learns from rhythm played on a wide range of percussion instruments, from the Udu drum to the congas. Her contributions have given the band a pure enthusiasm reflected in her upbeat spirit.
Sarah Ford originates from the frozen tundra of Wisconsin. She received both her B.M. and M.M. in jazz voice and is currently writing her days away in the pursuit of a PhD in musicology. She is active throughout the Memphis area as a singer and teacher. Ford can primarily be seen at the keyboard but is also known to pick up a spare instrument from time to time. Her clear mezzo-soprano range adds the richness of an experienced vocalist and she influences Sibella’s song development by adding a hint of jazz styling throughout the repertoire.
For more information or to connect with Sibella, follow them on Facebook and listen to recordings on Myspace: www.myspace.com/sibellaband.
Absent Friends Presents: Songs from Rocky Horror Picture Show
Memphis's only shadowcast group, Absent Friends, will be performing "Songs from the Rocky Horror Picture Show" on the Festival Stage at the 2011 Mid-South Pride. Absent Friends puts on the "greatest spectacle on Earth" on the 2nd Friday of each month at the Evergreen Theater. View some of Absent Friends productions on their YouTube channel below. You can also visit their website to find out more information about this group.
http://www.youtube.com/user/absentfriends
http://www.rockyhorrormemphis.com/
Cast of Playhouse on the Square production of Avenue Q
The Cast of Playhouse on the Square's production of Avenue Q is honored to participate in the Midsouth Pride Parade with selections from this exciting Broadway Hit! This Tony Award-winning musical with crass but charming puppets is the hilarious and heartfelt story of Princeton, a bright-eyed college grad who comes to New York with big dreams and little money. He can only afford to live on Avenue Q, but at least his neighbors turn out to be... colorful. Together, Princeton and his newfound friends struggle to find jobs, dates, and their ever-elusive purpose in life. "Savvy, sassy, and eminently likeable." - The New York Times.
Mystic Krewe of Pegasus Memphis
"The Mystic Krewe of Pegasus Memphis has been serving the Memphis community since 2004. Their organization is Memphis' only Mardi Gras Krewe. Over the past seven years they have raised over $78,525 for their chosen charities. Their charity for the 2011-2012 season is Mid-South Spay & Neuter Services.
On Festival Stage, The Mystic Krewe of Pegasus Memphis will entertain you with music, Mardi Gras costumes, and beads for the crowd!
To learn more about the Mystic Krewe of Pegasus Memphis and Mid-South Spay & Neuter Services, visit:http://www.pegasusmemphis.com/ and http://www.spaymemphis.org/.
Immigrant Punk
Rocio "Roe" Aranda is a singer, songwriter, and poet. After collaborating and fronting several bands across Mexico and Texas, she decided she was ready to begin her solo project. Immigrant Punk broke into the world music scene in 2010 with live album, en Vivo 2010. Soon after Aaron Gallegos joined her adding a spanish flamenco, jazzy spice fusion touch. Lyrically often described as the female version of Zach de la Rocha with a melodic twist.
Immigrant Punk took no time in joining the festival circuit across the country performing in 2010 Savannah Georgia Pride, 2010 St. Petersburgh Florida Pride, 2011 Denton Texas Jazzfest, 2011 Twist Dallas and 2011 Milwaukee Pridefest.
Instrumentation:
Aaron Gallegos - Flamenco guitar
Rocio del Carmen herrera Aranda - VOX, Djembe, Classical Guitar
http://www.myspace.com/immigrantpunkmusic
Kenneth Jackson
Kenneth Jackson, born in Little Rock, Arkansas, is a dynamic entertainer and master teaching artist. He has a vocal style reminiscent of Lou Rawls and Barry White and he is an accomplished composer, trumpeter, guitarist and pianist who began his professional career at age 14.
His mission is to share the legacy of the Blues with all generations throughout the World. He states, "This music has brought us all together in spirit and harmony. Let us celebrate and Dance."
Mr. Jackson tours nationally and has performed in Japan, England, Italy, Sweden, Finland, Canada, U.S. Virgin Islands, Africa, and Ireland. He has performed with such renowned artists as B. B. King, Ray Charles, Johnny Taylor, Rufus Thomas, Lou Rawls, Solomon Burke, Sam Moore, The Dells and many more.
His award winning Blues in the Schools educational program ( BASICALLY BLUES ) has been broadcast on CNN. Also, his concerts, compositions and workshops have been featured in the New York Times, Washington Times, Commercial Appeal, National Endowment for the Arts (Brochure) Inside Memphis, Down Beat, Emerge, and Living Blues Magazines. Mr. Jackson has been featured at Wolf Trap, Vienna, VA, the Kennedy Center and Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C.
Flaunt
Welcome Friends of George's to the Festival Stage! Catch a glimpse of the excitement you can expect on stage at FLAUNT! October 22nd at Minglewood Hall. FLAUNT is a community experience benefiting the Memphis Gay & Lesbian Community Center. Tickets are on sale now at: www.friendsofgeorges.org/flaunt.php
Karaoke Idol Finals
Who will win the title of 2011 Karaoke Idol? Finalists from this year's competitions vie for the title of 2011 Karaoke Idol.
Riverside Roamers
Guitarist Jesse Davis and bassist Michael Rogers met in high school in Henderson, Tennessee where the two hit it off with a mutual love for music. Transitioning to Memphis, they summoned a few incarnations of a jam band with a rotating cast of musicians. They played a few shows as Smokey Mountain Yard Sale and later picked up a new singer with a lot of soul, Robert Hughes, prompting a name change to Riverside Yard Sale. With only one show under their belt, the band dispersed into their work and school schedules, but the drive to jam never left them. A co-worker of Jesse and Robert, David Branch, a drummer for a few other local bands, expressed interest and jumped on the bandwagon, eventually introducing additional guitarist Jerry Lowe to fill out the roster.
Renewed and ready to rock out, the new Riverside Roamers are bringing an arsenal of powerful soul with a few surprises for Mid-South Pride 2011.
KAOTIC
To foster an entertaining environment through Jsetting, KAOTIC strives to perform for the audience only and promote educational, social, and personal development.
Dr. Marisa Richmond
Dr. Marisa Richmond is the President of the Tennessee Transgender Political Coalition.
She also serves on Board of Directors of the National Center for Transgender Equality, the Sexual Violence Prevention Planning Committee of the Tennessee Department of Health, the Davidson County Democratic Women, and GLSEN Middle Tennessee.
In 2008, she became the first openly transgender person to win an election in Tennessee when she was elected to the Davidson County Democratic Party Executive Committee, a seat she still holds. That same year, she became the first African American, transgender person to serve as a delegate tothe Democratic National Convention from any state.
She is a regular contributor to Out & About Today on News Channel 5+ in Nashville, and has written prolifically on transgender rights for several local and national publications.
Deb Word
Deb and her husband Steve are SafeHouse volunteers for the Memphis Gay & Lesbian Community Center, opening their home to 11 temporarily homeless lgbt youth in the last two years.
Deb is a Board Member of Fortunate Families, a National organization with outreach to clergy and other parents of lgbt youth, a member of the Leadership Team of her diocesan Catholic Gay Ministry.
She’s the mother of two, the oldest of whom is gay and grandmother of two, orientation as yet unknown.
Lisa Kurts-Crume
Lisa Kurts-Crume is an avid supporter and staunch ally of the Memphis LGBTQ Community. She is currently serving her third year as President of the Memphis chapter of PFLAG and has been an active member of the group since 2001.
Lisa has been a critical part of PFLAG's visibility in the community by reaching out to struggling families and friends, organizing PFLAG's float and information booth in Memphis' annual Pride parade, and attending and speaking at countless rallies, vigils, political and social events. She has stood as an example of how all families and allies should treat their loved ones- with pride, love, support, and compassion.
In addition to PFLAG, Lisa has been a living example of her message of acceptance. She has not only supporting her own queer child and daughter-in-law, lesbian niece and her wife, and countless LGBTQ friends, but has also served as a mentor and opened her home and heart to several LBGT youth who were suffering from the rejection of their own families.
Are you interested in becoming a sponsor or vendor? Get started by downloading one of the required forms below. If you have any questions, please contact us at info@midsouthpride.org.
From her cocktails to her casseroles, Allysun Wunderland has become a Memphis favorite emcee and hostess. She is excited about so many great things going on in the community, and is thrilled and honored to be part of Mid-South Pride’s grand debut on Beale Street. 
Miss MOD has been entertaining since the early '80's. Her career has taken her from Memphis to Chicago, and she's always given back those communities that have shown her so much support. Miss MOD has hosted fundraisers and given her time and talents freely whenever needed. (Mostly 'cause no one will pay her). She keeps the crowds laughing with her quick wit, and the ability to find humor where no one else thinks to look. 
Paul Morris is the President of the Downtown Memphis Commission, which is a public-private alliance dedicated to advancing Memphis by developing our downtown. Paul grew up in Memphis, working high school summers at his family’s business, Jack Morris Auto Glass. Paul is married to Mary Morris, a partner at the law firm of Burch Porter & Johnson. 
11 year old Will Phillips from West Fork, Arkansas first made headlines by his refusal to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance because of a lack of "Liberty & Justice for all". Since then he has traveled the nation speaking out against and confronting homophobia, intolerance, & groups like the American Family Association and the National Organization for Marriage. 
Serving Tennessee's Ninth District in Memphis and Shelby County, U. S. Congressman Steve Cohen is a fourth-generation Memphian who has dedicated his life to public service. 
