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on the stage
Ali Caldwell
Pre-Pandemic, Ali Caldwell enjoyed the perks of being on tour with Christina Aguilera as a featured supporting vocalist during Christina Aguilera’s Vegas Residency entitled “The Xperience” and Her International Tour entitled “The X Tour”. Ali was also featured on BET Centric TV’s Black Music Month series back in February as 1 of 4 Independent Black Women in Music to watch.
Ali Caldwell is well on her way to establishing herself as one of the voices of our time. You’ve seen her Wow audiences & judges on 2 Hit Television shows, The Voice on NBC (Season 11) & The Four with P.Diddy On Fox (Season 2). She Headlined six International European Tours encompassing seven countries as an independent artist and most recently, performed & killed SXSW 2022 in Austin, TX at the impressive Wisdome (WisdomeLA, a huge 360 degree 3D Immersive Sound Dome & Stage) in conjunction with Breaking Hits.
Ali Caldwell now has her sights set on going back home for a much needed visit—back home to New Jersey. Ready to bring energy, the vocals, the band & her stunning presence to the New Jersey Pride Festival 2023. Get ready for the Red Queen!
Antigone Rising
Performing as a trio, Antigone Rising always puts on a great show, and their excellent musicianship, songwriting and soaring three-part harmonies have kept them a favorite in clubs and Festivals. At North Jersey Pride on June 12th, they will reunite on stage with drummer Dena Tauriello!
Founding sisters Cathy and Kristen Henderson have always had the same philosophy, play better than the boys and make sure the fans feel like part of the family. That philosophy plus writing undeniably catchy songs has allowed this self-sustained group to maintain their independence and leave an indelible mark on an industry best known for leaving girl (bands) behind.
Antigone Rising continues to play a major part in LGBTQ advocacy. They are currently working on a new CD and launched Girls Rising, (www.girlsrising.org) a nonprofit organization that inspires young women to harness their potential, follow their dreams, and pursue non-traditional career paths.
Brian Falduto
Selected as “one of the 20 most influential, outspoken, and optimistic individuals on the planet” by PrideLife Magazine, Brian Falduto came into prominence after playing the role of Billy, nicknamed “Fancy Pants” by Jack Black in the cult classic film “School of Rock.” Now as an adult, he's transformed into a bona fide gay country artist destined for superstardom.
His participation in School of Rock had a major impact on his coming of age having been so publicly visible as different, but yet too young to come to terms with his sexuality. “My story is one of what happens when we try
to label something we don’t understand in order to avoid our own discomfort,” says Brian, a now-out-and-proud LGBTQ advocate.
Brian has shaken social media with the release of the viral "Same Old Country Love Song,” an LGBTQ+ country music anthem for those previously left out by country music and the lead single for Brian's debut album Gay Country; the deluxe version of which arrives June 7, 2024 and features songs "Big Boys Club," "Hottest Guy Here,", and his popular cover of Dolly Parton's "Why'd You Come In Here Lookin' Like That?"
Mamma Mia with CHS Cast
Members of the incredibly talented cast of Columbia High School's production of Mamma Mia! will reprise their roles and perform beloved songs from the sold-out show. What better way to celebrate Pride than with a vibrant and heartwarming tribute to the music of ABBA, performed by our local stars? Cast members Scarlet Strogov, Donelle Armstrong, and Dylan Graham are so excited to share their talents with the community!
Harmonica Sunbeam
Harmonica Sunbeam, the Queen of Comedy, has been delighting audiences throughout the U.S. and abroad for over 27 years. Her live appearances have gained her a cult following of all ages, races and backgrounds. A member of the Screen Actors Guild, her film credits include “Honey,” with Jessica Alba, “Uptown Girls,” with Brittany Murphy and the Oliver Stone drama, “World Trade Center.” She has also worked alongside noted musical artists such as Beyonce, Mary J. Blige, Jennifer Holiday, and Katy Perry. Miss Sunbeam’s latest project is showcasing her unique ability to uplift, encourage and engage children. As a host of DragQueen Story Hour, she reads to kids of all ages at libraries, bookstores, festivals and other events. DragQueen Story Hour encourages children to relate to both gender neutrality and non-conformity, while promoting positive LGTBQ role models.
Ryan Cassata
Ryan Cassata (he/him), signed to Kill Rock Stars, is an award-winning singer-songwriter, actor, performer, published writer, LGBTQ+ activist, and transgender motivational speaker. His work has been featured on/in GRAMMY.com, Rolling Stone, Billboard, The New York Times, Buzzfeed, AltPress, American Songwriter, and The NY Daily News.
With over 650 performances nationwide and internationally and seven original and critically-acclaimed musical albums, Ryan is proud to be recognized as the first openly-trans performer at the Vans Warped Tour, in addition to featured performances at Jazz at Lincoln Center, The Oregon Shakespeare Festival’s Green Show, Global Pride, and SXSW in Austin, Texas. LOGO’s New Now Next included Ryan on the “9 Trans Musicians You Need To Get Into” list and Billboard has referred to Ryan as a “true force in the industry,” honoring him as one of the esteemed "11 Transgender & Non-Binary Musicians You Need to Know."
Sarah Hodd + The Drive
Sarah Hodd + The Drive is an 8-piece powerhouse of a band. We play explosive, fun covers and bluesy, soulful originals, all with an irresistible throwback vibe. Our music spans the genres - across rock, soul, blues, funk, motown - and is driven by electric vocals, and a rocking band. We're based in Maplewood, and so excited to share our music to support North Jersey Pride and this amazing community!
Meg Toohey
Meg Toohey has co-written with some of the greatest living songwriters (Sara Bareilles and Lori Mckenna). Her songs have been featured on countless TV shows and films. Toohey helped orchestrate “Waitress The Musical” (Broadway) and “Wild About You” (West End, 2024). She produced the star-studded all-female “Jesus Christ Superstar” with Shoshana Bean, Cynthia Erivo and Ledisi. Meg has performed with Brandy Clark, Jason Mraz, Laura Benanti, Rubben Studdard, Clay Aiken, Gavin Creel, Keala Settle, and many more.
...and your fabulous host, Scott Nevins!
Scott Nevins is best known for being one of the breakout stars and original cast members of Bravo TV’s series “The People’s Couch,” and truTV’s hit show “truTV Presents: World’s Dumbest…”. Scott has appeared on national TV on NBC, FOX, Bravo, CNN International, HLN, truTV, The Style Network, Fuse TV and LOGO and has hosted several red carpet events for TV Land. He received high praise for his work as the cohost of “The Ann Walker Show with Scott Nevins” (UBN Radio), as a fill-in host on Sirius Satellite Radio and KNews Radio, and most recently as a political contributor for NewNowNext.com. Scott has has a special place in his heart for the North Jersey Pride Festival—which is why he has returned year after year to be our emcee—we love you, Scott!
