Becca Mancari and Lavender Country's Patrick Haggerty
Since its founding in 1988, the Nashville Pride Festival has grown into a massive family-friendly celebration of inclusiveness. Last year's music lineup headlined by Lizzo and Big Freedia was a major highlight, and the entertainment lineup for this year is looking solid as well. At the top of the bill is Wilson Phillips, the trio featuring Carnie and Wendy Wilson (daughters of Brian Wilson) and Chynna Phillips (daughter of The Mamas and the Papas' John and Michelle Phillips) best known for their 1990 pop hit "Hold On."
Another outstanding feature is the return of Lavender Country, the band led by Patrick Haggerty whose self-titled 1973 album broke ground as the first collection of country songs to openly embrace gay themes. After many years away from performing, Haggerty has come to Nashville multiple times to perform Lavender Country songs with local musicians, and this year he'll play Pride Fest's main stage with outstanding country-leaning artist Becca Mancari. (Mancari has also released a new acoustic version of her song "Golden" with her Bermuda Triangle bandmates Brittany Howard and Jesse Lafser — take a listen to that audio right here.)
And there's plenty more to check out: Fletcher, whose choice single "I Believe You" is a message of support for anyone who's been sexually assaulted; Chicago rapper Taylor Bennett, the younger brother of Chance the Rapper; Nashville's own Chely Wright, who in 2010 became the first major country star to be open about her identity as gay; among others. Beyond the main stage, there's a drag stage, plus two more music stages: One curated by RNBW, an organization that helps promote LGBT Nashville musicians, and another curated by community radio station WXNA.
The festival is set for Saturday and Sunday, June 23-24, in Public Square Park downtown. Take a look at the full list of announced performers below, and keep an eye on the Pride Fest website for updates. Tickets run $10-$150 and are available right here.
Nashville Pride Fest 2018
Nissan Main Stage, Saturday, June 23
Hosts: Michael Reign Coscia and Brook Lynn Hytes
DJs: DJ Aazera and DJ Remedy
noon: John Cyrus
1 p.m.: Gifted Queen
2 p.m.: Chely Wright
4:45 p.m.: Andreas Moss
6 p.m.: Fletcher
7:15 p.m.: Taylor Bennett
8:15 p.m.: JoJo
RNBW Stage, Saturday, June 23
11 a.m.: Joy Oladokun
noon: Clinton John
1 p.m.: Mercy Bell
2 p.m.: Myylo
3 p.m.: Stephanie Berlanga
4 p.m.: Adam Mac
5 p.m.: Bantr
WXNA Stage, Saturday, June 23
Lineup to be announced.
Nissan Main Stage, Sunday, June 24
noon: DJ Jane Dupree
1 p.m.: Katie Pruitt
2 p.m.: Becca Mancari with Lavender Country
3 p.m.: Desi Valentine
4 p.m.: Steve Grand
5:15 p.m.: Wilson Phillips
RNBW Stage, Sunday, June 24
11 a.m.: Van Wild
noon: Nell Maynard
1 p.m.: Stasny Mav
2 p.m.: Tori WhoDat
3 p.m.: WVLLCE
4 p.m.: Davis Mallory
WXNA Stage, Sunday, June 24
Lineup to be announced.
