The impressive 2016 Nashville Pride Festival lineup includes many fan favorites, as well as some up-and-coming acts. In addition to En Vogue, EZA, Daya, Parson James, The Last Year, and Daphne Willis, here we will take a brief look at the other acts that had been announced at the time of printing.
Bonnie McKee is an American singer-songwriter. Her most well-known work includes songs recorded by her friend Katy Perry. McKee co-wrote “California Gurls,” “Teenage Dream,” and “Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F),” which appear in Perry’s Teenage Dream album, as well as Britney Spears’ “Hold It Against Me,” Taio Cruz’s “Dynamite,” and Perry’s “Part of Me.” McKee has also recorded music of her own in recent years, most notably the single “American Girl” and her EP Bombastic.
Shawn Hook is a Canadian musician whose music has been featured on a variety of television programs, from Kyle XY to The Hills. While he released one album, Both Sides under the name Shawn Hlookoff, his official debut album as Shawn Hook was Cosmonaut and the Girl, and in 2015 he released his most recent album, Analog Love. His most well-known works include “Million Ways” and “Sound of Your Heart,” which was used in promotion of Season 20 of The Bachelor.
The Paisley Fields, a Brooklyn-based, queer alternative-country band, is helmed by lead singer James Wilson, whose music has been inspired by people like Dolly Parton and Gram Parsons. While they are a five-person band, Wilson and bandmate Anna Volpe have been traveled with the Gay Ole Opry tour, representing their act. Pittsburgh City Paper writes, "While The Paisley Fields have a good bit in common with contemporary country — rich production, songs with pop bones and twangy accents — the band probably won't be touring with Toby Keith anytime soon. They're a refreshing change from country radio."
Drag queens Raja, who won Season 3 of RuPaul’s Drag Race, and Obsinity round out the entertainment lineup. Raja is one of the more beloved winners of the show that has popularized the art of drag for more mainstream audiences. As Sutan Amrull, Raja is also a well-known and sought-after make-up artist. He served as make-up artist for America’s Next Top Model from Season 3 to Season 12, and his clients include Adam Lambert, Pamela Anderson, and Iggy Azalea. Obsinity is a local fan favorite, most well known for a spot-on Reba McEntire impersonation.