The fourth Annual Harvey Milk Festival is scheduled for May 16-18 and will return to the historic downtown district of Sarasota. Several bands are on board to entertain this year, as are a number of other, special events to commemorate the slain California civil rights pioneer.
On May 16th, the festival will screen the documentary I Am Divine, portraying the life of iconic drag queen Divine. The film features interviews with John Waters, who directed Divine, and Ricki Lake and Mink Stole.
On May 17, The Equality Art Gallery returns with works from local and national artists. The free show is at MillerBrady Fine Art Gallery.
On Sunday, May 18, the large street festival returns to Five Points park. Along with vendor tables, nine performing act – national and local – will take the stage.
“All of our performers believe in LGBT equality,” said organizer Shannon Fortner. “This creates a welcoming environment for everyone.”
This year’s headliner is French Horn Rebellion from Milwaukee, Wis., an indie brother duo who have pioneered the “Next Jack Swing” movement. The 2013 co-headliner is Clementine and The Galaxy, a New York City-based duo.
Other acts include Good Graeff, Jen Rock and The Cry Babies, Bard and Mustache, Zulu Wave, Brazos the Rat and Waking Giants.
Fortner’s own band, MeteorEYES will also perform as a co-headliner the day of the street festival.
Several speakers will address the issue of LGBT equality during the festival, including Michael Farmer, Equality Florida’s field coordinator, and Tesla Gunderson, an ALSO Out Youth teen staff member. An official after party at Throb Nightclub will follow the festival and the $5 cover charge goes directly to the Harvey Milk Festival if that patron is wearing a festival wristband.
The official after party for HMF/Music will be held at Throb Nightclub. The five-dollar cover will be donated to the festival for any attendee wearing an official HMF bracelet.
The annual Harvey Milk festival street party begins at 4 p.m.
