Music City Bears, a social/fraternal organization composed of gay, bear identified people, their admirers and their friends, will hold their annual bear jam in Nashville July 21-24.
This year’s theme is “Ye Olde Bear Faire,” a fun and furry take on the ever popular Renaissance festival. The event will include a lot of exciting entertainment including the centerpiece event, Bearapalooza, produced by Music City Bear’s own Freddy Freeman and featuring 13 different Bear singers, bands and comedians from around the country.
Following the Friday night show at the Chute will be the main “Ye Olde Bear Faire” party, which will feature fun, games, prizes and general revelry. Everyone will also perform Saturday for a five hour outdoor concert event, featuring games, vendors, a medieval fun at DeVil’s and a cookout.
Bear Jam participants will also get to see Jade Esteban Estrada’s acclaimed one man show: Icons, the Lesbian and Gay History of the World. After receiving rave reviews for Vol 1 during Pride week, Estrada returns to club Blu for Bear Jam with Vol II.
The weekend will also include a Kings Feast banquet at the host hotel, The Country Legends Broadway tour, an exclusive screening of the Spanish film “Cachorro” (Bear Cub) sponsored by TLA video and additional private parties and receptions. The host hotel will be the Holiday Inn Express on Broadway, and transportation will be provided by Nashville’s own party on wheels, FADDS party bus.
The club, founded in December of 1993, was born out of a desire to provide men an alternative to the stereotypical gay lifestyle.
"The most common definition of a ‘bear’ is someone who is hairy, has facial hair and a cuddly body. However, the word ‘bear’ means many things to different people, even within the bear movement. Many who do not have one or all of these characteristics define themselves as bears, making the term a very loose one. Suffice it to say, ‘bear’ is often defined as more of an attitude than anything else -- a sense of comfort with our natural masculinity and bodies that is not slavish to the vogues of male attractiveness that is so common in gay circles and the culture at large."
The Music City Bears offers a haven for bear folk who want to meet people, make friends and bond with kindred spirits. Since its inception, the club has continued to grow and has made an exciting impact on the Nashville Gay Community. Growing every year and incorporating new and exciting events, the club’s annual Bear Jam, benefiting Nashville Cares, has become an anticipated event in Nashville’s gay community.
For a full schedule and registration information – go to www.musiccitybears.com/bearjam or call 615-218-4473.Schedule of Events
Thursday, July 21st
3:00pm - Midnight
Main Registration in the Hospitality Suite
@ Host Hotel
7:00pm - Midnight
“The Hail and Well”
(Meet & Greet Cocktail Party)
@ Host Hotel
7:00pm and 10 pm
“Jade Esteban Estrada’s: Icons;
the Lesbian and Gay History of the World Vol 2”
@ Blu
Friday, July 22nd
8:00am – 10:00am
The Innkeepers Good Morrow Breakfast
Provided By Host Hotel)
Noon – 4:00pm
“Bears On Broadway”
Country Legend Tour
Private Walking Tour Of
Nashville ’s Famous Broadway
4:00pm
Bear Shopping Excursion
to Outloud Books & Gifts
And Magical Journey
7:00pm - 10:00pm
Bearapalooza Revue @ The Chute
-Featuring -
Singer/Songwriter Rounds
Live! Sets By Kendall, Yolanda
& Bear Comedian ‘Bobaloo”
10:30pm - 1:30am
Ye Olde Bear Faire @ The Chute
Official Bear Beer Bust
Fun, Festival Games, Costume
Contest, Bear Jam Contests
And A Whole Lot Furry Fun!!
2:00am – 4:00am
“Excalibears After Party”
@ Host Hotel
Saturday, July 23rd
8:00am – 10:00am
The Innkeepers Good Morrow Breakfast
Provided By Host Hotel
11 am – 6:00pm
Bearapalooza Blowout!
@ Devil’s
Live! Sets By All Bear Artist!
Hosted By Bear Comedian “Bobaloo”
Full Outdoor Festival W/ Cook-Out,
Outdoor Bar, Games & The Bearapalooza Bear Wash !
7:30pm – 9:30pm
The King’s Royal Feast (Banquet)
@ Host Hotel
9:00pm-11:00pm
Official Exclusive Screening of "Cachorro" (Bear Cub)
Sponsored by TLAVideo.com
@ Host Hotel
11:00 pm - 4:00 am
Excalibears After Party
@ Host Hotel
Sunday, July 24th
8:00am – 10:00am
The Innkeepers Good Morrow Breakfast
Provided By Host Hotel)
Fare Thee Well!
Check Out By 12:00pm
