The show, a mixture of accomplished vocalists and residents who have never or rarely sang on stage publically, will benefit New Hope Celebrates’ continued marketing efforts in the lesbian, gay, transgendered and bisexual (LGBT) community as well as supporting one of it’s allies, Bob Egan Entertainment.

Dwayne Dunlevy, well-known local entertainer, will serve the affair as master of ceremonies. Dunlevy is recognized in the area for his live theater and cabaret performances over the past decade as well as his accomplishments as a talent promoter and artist.

Devyn Rush

Joining him will be area favorite, Broadway performer and former “American Idol” contestant Devyn Rush.

Josh Zuckerman

A nationally known LGBT singer and songwriter who has frequently entertained in the Bucks County area, Josh Zuckerman, will also headline the show. Zuckerman has won numerous awards for his CD’s and his videos are frequent “number one” pick hits on CBS’s LOGO cable network.

Additional “star” vocalists scheduled to appear include Philadelphia’s Jeff Vitelli and New Hope’s Scott Sutherland.

Locally, New Hope Borough council member and Rolling Stones afficionado Rey Velasco will perform some tunes by his favorite musical group. Velasco extemporaneously performed and delighted an audience a few years back at the concert for the locally made film, “Embraceable You” and is a frequent participant in local karaoke contests.

Jason Nerys

Other local resident singers will be showcased. They include Edward Forrest and Jason Nerys. Forrest and Nerys have often performed at benefits in drag but their solo vocals have not been showcased on stage until the New Hope Celebrates show. Forrest, a teni-baritone, will sing popular cabaret favorites while Nerys, a tenor, will render songs made famous by Billie Holiday.

Teyd Jamison

They will be joined by Trenton’s Teyd Jamison, a frequent guest at the Raven’s piano bar, who will sing Broadway show tunes. Ted has appeared at Carnegie Hall and off-Broadway in New York City.

They will be accompanied by pianist and impresario Bob Egan.

“We are very delighted that known performers will be joined by local talents who have not had a chance to shine for a cabaret audience,” commented Daniel Brooks, founder of New Hope Celebrates. “The show is yet another example of what New Hope stands for–a truly mixed conglomeration, bursting with talent!”

Ryan Fuller, general manager of the Raven and NHC Board vice-president added, “This is a first-of-it’s kind show but we hope to make this event at least semi-annual because it gives everyone a chance for the spotlight. It’s bound to be a lot of fun!”

Tickets will go on sale Sept. 1 at www.bogegansnewhope.com or reservations can be made by calling the Ramada at 215 862-5221.They is a $35 admission with a $15 minimum for food or beverage at the Ramada’s cabaret. Total seating is limited to 90. 30 VIP special seating/service tickets will be available on a “first-come-first-serve basis” at $50. For further information call 215 862-8819.

NHC staged a week long Pride festival in New Hope and Lambertville, NJ mid-May at the commencement of gay Pride season throughout the world. It was their 8th festival.

The Diversity Committee of New Hope-Solebury school district is committed to ensuring student harmony despite ethnic, religious, cultural, gender or preferential differences. It deals with such matters as bullying or student harassment. Their role will be in implementing the building of level task force groups to expand diversity initiatives, including LGBT issues, at the high school.The grant is earmarked for use toward greater sensitivity to the needs of LGBT students at the high school. The diversity committee is currently discussing the formation of a school based committee to address the issue of a possible gay-straight alliance club, known as GSA. There are now in existence a number of such organizations in other Bucks County high schools but none currently at New Hope-Solebury high school.

The original GSA was the mission of a straight student who, in 1988, wanted his high school to do more about LGBT bullying and harassment. Now GSA’s are certified clubs within over 4,000 high schools nationally and often monitored by GLSEN, the national Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network.

“We are so pleased by the progress NHS has made this year in becoming more aware of the unique experiences of their LGBT teenage populace,” said Daniel Brooks, founder and Executive Director of New Hope Celebrates.

“The most moving part of our recent Pride parade, to me,” said Brooks, “was seeing NHS school board members, teachers and students carrying our giant rainbow flag, leant to us by sister-city Key West, Fl. Dr. Raymond Boccuti, superintendent of New Hope-Solebury school district, lead the group. That cohesiveness from NHS High School sent a message to all of our area teenagers that while they are unique they are treated and supported the same. It was totally inspiring and gave me yet another reason to be proud of New Hope–always a town where there is respect for variance and individuality.”

Dr. Boccuti said that he was honored and delighted to receive the stipend. Because of a teaching engagement in Spain, he will be represented at the event by his assistant, Joyce Mundy, who had previously held the position of middle school principal at NHS. She will speak on his behalf. A former NHS student, Dylan Platt, will also speak as representative of LGBT students.
Platt wrote to Brooks praising NHC’s Pride festival efforts in the community and encouraging the organization to look forward into the NHS high school staff as well as students in an effort to aid them in becoming more aware of LGBT student harassment by students at the school.

Since then the New Hope Borough Council, under the leadership of Community Affairs members Geri Delevich– also a NHC member– and Rey Velasco, and accompanied by Platt, met with school officials to create a foundational forum for discussion of general bullying matters. There are plans to continue the dialogue.

Friday’s event at the Raven will feature a variety show hosted by Michael Gardner, aka Miss Pumpkin, and will include local talent. The show will be followed by DJ dancing. A $10 minimum contribution to NHC will be charged.

Details at www.newhopecelebrates.com (215) 862-8819 and www.ravennewhope.com (215) 862-2081.

Further information: Daniel Brooks Dbrooks@newhopecelebrates.com 215 431-6674

Call us for more info 908-996-5386
2998 Daniel Bray Hwy (Rte #29) Frenchtown, NJ 0882
www.DelawareRiverTubing.com

Rainbow flags will fly as New Hope Celebrates Pride parades down Main Street USA

“Freedom to BE” is the chosen theme for New Hope Celebrates Pride parade, sponsored by Wells Fargo, which will toot, amble, and strut it’s way through the streets of the Bucks County, Pa. hamlet on May 14 at noon. Residents of the town need not be gay to join in and they couldn’t be any prouder.

Now in it’s eighth year, New Hope Celebrates, a non-profit lesbian, gay, transgender, bisexual and allied marketing group, will stage the parade, a cornerstone of fun and informative activities taking place May 9-15 that will shine a light on the area, known for it’s diverse “one-for -all- and- all-for one” community kinship and conviviality. This year neighboring Lambertville, N.J. joins the party.

The pride parade is as eclectic as the communities it showcases, with marchers from many walks of life and missions, including local school board officials and teachers, high school students, service community groups, firemen, borough and chamber of commerce members, police officers and six area churches. They will be interspersed with colorful characters, disco music, boisterous boy bands and frolicking females–all for the joy of their community. According to Jennifer Wohl, who chairs the parade, “There are no Grand Marshals for our parade because in New Hope we feel that everyone is equally grand. ”

A highlight of the parade will be the moving floats that are creatively assembled by area organizations that range from local restaurants to poodles and pups from an animal alliance. Musically, New York City’s Lesbian and Gay Big Apple Corps Marching Band will mark their fourth consecutive appearance at NHC. The band works for less than their usual fee because of the special harmonious atmosphere they experience. “We are always thrilled to start our season off in beautiful New Hope,” said Leslie Becker, events coordinator for the group.

Other musicians include Philadelphia Freedom Band, local high school performers and The Mummers All-Stars, from Montgomery County, Pa. Nationally known comedian Miss Richfield—who will perform on May 15 pool side at the Raven—will ride a scooter in the parade alongside the New Jersey Eagles Motorcycle Club. “America’s Got Talent” finalists the D.C. Cowboys will wave from antique cars provided by the Lambda Car Club and will perform immediately after the parade at The Block Party along with a many other local singers and talents.

The Block Party on Mechanic, from 1:30 PM to 6 PM, will be hosted by entertainer Miss Victoria Lace and features performances that include singer/songwriters Laura Cheadle, Chad D., Christine Martucci, and Kylie Edmond. “The Block Party gives area talents a chance to entertain in front of their home audience,” commented Wohl. “Many nationally known performers have begun their careers in our local venues like John and Peters and Havana. Now they are big stars like Ween and Pink ”

Pre-parade speakers will begin at 11:30 AM and include Jennie Murphy, wife of former US Congressman Patrick Murphy, a leader of the recent repeal legislation of “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell;” Mark Segal, gay activist and publisher of Philadelphia Gay News; and Ted Martin, executive director of Equality Pa. The parade’s MC duo will be New Hope Mayor Larry Keller and New York City drag star Victoria Lace.

“The pride parade is, for us, like a small town melting pot version of New York’s ‘Macy’s Parade,’” commented Daniel Brooks, NHC’s founder and executive director. “We have our fireworks on the Delaware River at dusk on May 13 and then the parade on May 14. Since we are funded solely on donations, we are so grateful to our many sponsors and advertisers, large and small, that give us the opportunity to annually celebrate our commonalities as well as our differences.”

For a complete schedule of events or to download NHC’s annual Pride Guide, see www.newhopecelebrates.com

Attendees at the Equality Forum gala dinner on May 1, 2011 at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia included New Hope Celebrates advocate Marilyn Cichowski (left,) New Hope Borough Council member Geri Delevich and NHC founder and executive director Daniel Brooks (far right.) They are flanking Ted Martin, president of Equality PA, who will be one of the guest speakers at the New Hope Celebrates Pride Parade on May 14, whose theme is “Freedom to Be!”

NHC member participation at Equality Forum’s gala was sponsored by Eric Jackson of Merrill Lynch.

Speakers at the Equality Forum dinner, attended by approximately 400, were Bucks County Former Congressman and ” Don’t Ask: Don’t Tell” repeal lead legislator Patrick Murphy and Lt. Dan Choi, outspoken military member who has become a leader in the LGBT community for his stance on open serving. Both received standing ovations for their affective speeches and notable leadership for equality. Jennie Murphy, wife of the Congressman, will also speak at the NHC parade on May 14. Supportive military members are invited to march.

A team of NHC members, led by Jennifer Wohl and Gordon Pulaski, attended Equality Forum’s vendor fair on Sunday, May 2, and distributed collateral regarding the upcoming festival.

This year’s festival, May 11-15, is titled “DO tell—equality for all.” Details of all the activities are posted on the organization’s Web site, www.newhopecelebrates.com

So many performers… including Kylie Edmond, Christine Martucci (band), Laura Cheadle, That Girl, Chad D. and Jeff Vitelli – Check out the entire list.

Mistress of Ceremonies for Parade and Block Party Victoria Lace
NYC Diva and long time friend of New Hope, Victoria’s high energy dance numbers and comedic talents on the mic have entertained thousands around the country.
 

NHC Block Party 1:00pm – 5:00pm

Entertainment:

Christine Martucci
Christine Martucci has a soulful and powerful voice which demands attention. Her critically acclaimed second CD, “I’m All In”, featured the single “There You Are”, which received national airplay. The video for “There You Are” is featured on VH1, MTV, and Logo. The CD was also voted the “Editors Pick” in the August 2007 edition of Curve Magazine and also earned the prestigious 2007 Asbury Park Music Award for “Top Local Release”. In addition to that it is also a part of New Hope’s own documentary “Embracable You.”  Ms. Martucci was also the recipient of the Asbury Park Music Award for Top Female Vocalist. Christine has opened for many national acts as well as headlined major venues throughout the country.  This spring also saw the release of her latest album, “Sin and Redemtion.”

Laura Cheadle
This young artist writes about love, lust, and everything in-between. She calls herself a “funky white girl who’s got soul.” However, Laura sells herself short with this description, as she blends many genres both within and among her songs. Laura creates her own unique style of song-writing by giving rock/pop a soulful twist with a splash of blues.
Laura taught herself to play the guitar, so her chord progressions are entirely unique. Her highly original finger positions on the guitar arrive at very unconventional and jazzy chords. “Because I taught myself to play solely by using my ear and deciding what I thought sounded right, I created an entirely new way of playing that people have told me they’ve never before seen. My only influences were my father and what I heard growing up, which were Stevie Wonder, Tower of Power, and jazz.”

Kylie Edmond
Kylie Edmond came to New York City in 2002 on a wing and a prayer to meet her muse. Now it’s your turn. Dancing down the pop alley crafted by artists such as Michelle Branch, Maren Ord and Paula Cole, Kylie Edmond is writing songs you will hear, must hear, and have to hear.  The Sunshine smitten rocker Kylie dated 3 guys who turned out to be gay. Well, one is regular gay, one is bi, and one is a drag queen in Sydney doing a Marilyn Monroe show. This NYC based Aussie writes songs about lost iphones, the gay ex’s, mean boys and pickup lines.

Chad D
Chad D is an artist with a plan to educate and eliminate “the bully” by connecting life and music. Now that Chad has completed his degree at Art Institute of Pittsburgh, he is excited to make music his full time career. He recorded his first single – Life Is A Ride – in April of 2010, and is steadily recording songs to complete his debut album – The Human Link (2011). Chad is branding a new genre – Neo Pop blends pop, rap, rock, and dance into a fresh sound with lyrics about positive messages, acceptance, happiness, and bully-prevention. Two of his songs, Life is a Ride, and Human Link, have been nominated by the OUTMusic Awards. http://ChadDmusic.com 

Jeff Vitelli
Jeff Vitelli is an independent openly gay artist who’s recently been seen performing in the Philadelphia area. His CD “The Music Will Not Stop” can be found on itunes. ?Jeff has a long history in the music world and started out in the New York Broadway production of the Musical “Nine” in 1983. Over the years he’s performed in numerous theater productions. Jeff has always had a deep interest in Gospel, Jazz, R&B and soul music. His influences include artist like Patti Labelle, Stevie Wonder and The Pointer Sisters. He is also a member of the Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus.
 
 
That Girl
Trisha Dash is “That Girl.”  A member of local favorite band “Atomic Age”, she brings her one woman show to our stage.  Her whimsically jaded view of the world allows for an almost perfect marriage of entrancing melodies with flying daggers.  She is that girl you don’t want to mess with.  She is that girl you can’t get enough of…Afterall, she is “That Girl.”

The block party will be hosted by Victoria Lace who will be joined by the area’s best in female impersonation including: Miss Pumpkin, Berrie Lyndon, Tiffany Richards, and many more!

Entertainers ‘galor-ious’ at New Hope Celebrates Pride Festival May 11-15

The world renowned singer and comedian, Miss Richfield, will star at the Raven (385 W. Bridge in New Hope,) in the final party of New Hope Celebrates Pride week on May 15. Miss Richfield will also march in the Pride Parade on May 14 at noon, which ambles and toots down Ferry and S. Main Sts. in New Hope, Pa.

Miss Richfield is touring the country with her one-woman show “30 Years on the Throne” and will be coming to New Hope direct from an sold-out engagement in Atlanta in addition to appearances in New York and Chicago.

Miss Richfield’s national appeal includes riotous appearances on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” “Today”on NBC, “Cake Boss” on TLC, Provincetown, Ma., Key West and many other venues. Often engaged in one-to-one improv with the audience, Miss R is a professionally trained singer, has an athletic approach to physical comedy and creates both fun and flexibility for her character.

Host of the performance on May 15 will be New Hope’s Miss Pumpkin (Michael Gardner.) Finalists on “America’s Got Talent,” the dance troupe DC Cowboys will entertain prior to Miss Richfield and will also participate in the May 14 parade and at the Riverside Afterglow Dance at the Inn at Lambertville Station, Lambertville, N.J. (9PM)

The Big Apple LGBT Marching Corps, Mummers, NHS High School band, Philadelphia LGBT Marching Band and others will again perform in the New Hope Celebrates Pride Parade, which is this year sponsored by Wells Fargo.

Post-parade “Block Party” (W. Mechanic St., New Hope 1:30-5PM) entertainers include pop songwriter/singer Kylie Edmond from New York City; award winning CD artist Christine Martucci who will perform with her full band, singing songs from her recently released album “Sin and Redemption;” self-proclaimed “funky white girl who’s got soul” singer/ jazzy guitarist Laura Cheadle; Atomic Age Band’s “That Girl;” and local Neo-Pop rap,rock and dance artist Chad D who will sing his award-winning single, “Life is a Ride,” as well as selected songs from his upcoming album, “The Human Link.”

Popular comedian Poppy Champlin, known for her work in Provincetown, Ma. every summer as well as Key West, will entertain 300 or more guests of Ladies 2000 on May 15, which will be held at Havana ( 105 S.Main St., New Hope, 3 PM show) and local favorite Christine Havrilla will sing at Triumph Brewing Company’s (Union Square, New Hope) “Girls Night OUT” on May 13 (9:30 PM) after the New Hope Celebrates Pride–Chamber of Commerce fireworks on May 13 (8:30 PM.)

In the cabarets and clubs, Bob Egan’s New Hope at the Ramada (Rt 202) will feature funny ladies on May 14. Both back to the area by popular demand, Sharon McNight will sing, joke and tease the audience at a show starting at 8:30 PM while the late night spot of 10:30 PM will be filled with devotees of Broadway comedian Judy Gold. Tickling the keys at the Raven’s Piano Bar in the Oak Room (W.Bridge St., New Hope) will be Michael Ferrari on May 14 and Russell Effert on May 14, both from 9 PM to 1 AM.

Also at the Raven on May 13 at 8 PM, “Miss Pumpkin’s Pride Party,” featuring local entertainment and singer Jeff Vitelli. At Karla’s ( 5 W. Mechanic St., New Hope,) Special Ed will host local drag performers on May 10 at 9 PM and the “Diva” trioof the Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus will sing ‘Diva hits’ at FACT Bingo, Eagle Fire Hall on Sugan Rd. In New Hope on May 11.

For all links, extended bios and additional information, visit www.newhopecelebrates.com or inquire at New Hope Celebrates Facebook or Twitter pages.

From May 11-15, 2011, New Hope Celebrates, a non-profit lesbian, gay, transgendered , bisexual and allied tourism and marketing organization in New Hope (Bucks County) Pa, will stage a week of activities, tours, parties and parades. The events are as diverse as the population of the historic, recreational, artistic and scenic area.

Unlike many LGBTA “pride” festivals, traditionally held from May to July in hundreds of towns throughout the US, New Hope’s version to celebrate—typical of it’s community–is geared toward participation by all.

“DO tell—equality for all!” is the slogan for the 8th annual New Hope Celebrates Pride week, in commemoration of the legislative repeal of the so-called “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” policies which have prohibited gay and lesbians from participating openly in the military. Members of the military, both retired and currently serving, are invited to march in the festival parade, which is on May 14, 2011.

“Freedom to BE” is the chosen theme of the parade, one of the largest attended in Bucks County and sponsored by Wells Fargo banking services. It will be composed of floats, bands ranging from the local high school to New York City’s Big Apple Corps, sprinkled with Mummers and musical marching legions of Philadelphia. Many groups will march including a teacher’s group from New Hope-Solebury high school, and members from Planned Parenthood of Bucks County’s Rainbow Room LGBTA teen center.

Pre-parade guest speakers include Mark Siegal, publisher and award winning columnist from the Philadelphia Gay News; and Ted Martin, head of Pennsylvania’s Equality PA. All afternoon downtown a “Block Party” will showcase local musical talent on Mechanic, historically the street of the arts.

The award winning “Friday Night Fireworks” will kick-off their 2011 season on May 13 in honor of New Hope Celebrates Pride. Co-sponsored by the Greater New Hope Chamber of Commerce, it is an amazing and colorful air display at dusk over the Delaware River. The river forges both New Hope and easterly neighbor, Lambertville, N.J.

For the first time, Lambertville will be an active participant in the pride festival and one of the main dances of the weekend will be held on Sat., May 14, in the ballroom of the Lambertville Inn, overlooking the scenic riverside that borders both communities.

Launching a new activity, “CLUE into New Hope,”on May 14, is a mystery scavenger hunt which offers festival goers an opportunity to win prizes by picking up clues spread throughout various attractions and gathering spots of the two towns. Families will be entertained on that day as well, sponsored by the Cornerstone Clubs, in fun and physical activities such as Zumba for Kids, followed by a kid friendly buffet where thousands of dollars worth of amusement passes will be given away, courtesy of Sesame Place theme park in Langhorne, Pa.

Known for it’s dedication to and cultivation of arts of every kind, an “Art and History Crawl” will take place during the evening of May 14, led by local artists and historians. Five prominent galleries in New Hope will hold mini-talks while patrons snack on wine and cheese. Earlier that day, festival goers will have the opportunity to attend a vast vendor fair at The Raven in New Hope, which will feature service organizations, yoga sessions, demonstrations, food concession, retail displays and two wealth management seminars, given by experts from Merrill Lynch.

While there are many interesting and diverse informational activities for tourists and locals alike,
there are parties, dining and shopping specials, some spotlighting entertainers, in New Hope’s many unique restaurants, quirky retail stores, and night clubs.

Scheduled NHC night attractions include the previously mentioned Lambertville Inn Retro Dance (May 14,) Girls Night Out at Triumph Brewing Company featuring singer Christine Havrilla (May 13,) Ladies 2000 at Havana (May 15)and Afterglow T-Dance pool side at The Raven (May 15.) The latter will feature nationally known comedian/singer Miss Richfield , “America’s Got Talent” finalists The DC Cowboys plus local entertainer Miss Pumpkin.

All New Hope music venues will showcase special entertainers and these include TV and Broadway comedian Judy Gold and nationally known singer Sharon McNight at Bob Egan’s New Hope cabaret located in the Ramada Inn (May 14.) Sunday, acclaimed comedian Poppy Champlin will appear prior to Ladies 2000 at Havana (May 15.)

Pre-weekend events commence on May 10 at the official Rainbow Flag Raise, featuring a flag traditionally lent to New Hope by sister-city Key West, Fla. There is FACT “Diva” BINGO, a benefit for Fighting Aids Continuously Together, at the Eagle Fire Department in New Hope (May 11) which will include a performance by the Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus. There will be two “drag” shows: Karla’s Restaurant (May 11) and Pumpkin’s Pride Show at The Raven (May 13) as well as a Sponsorship Kick Off party, for sponsors and NHC members, at Sandbar in New Hope (May 12.)

Presenting media sponsor is the Philadelphia Gay News and others include NYC’s Next Magazine, GO Magazine, Gay City News/Chelsea Now, Greater Philadelphia Tourism and Marketing, Philly Gay Calendar, and others. In addition to those previously mentioned corporate sponsors of NHC include Coors Light, Southwest Airlines, ID Lubricants, GIANT food stores, Tonamora Fund and Morgan Stanley. Local Rainbow sponsors are The Raven, the Wishing Well Guesthouse and Visit Bucks County, the convention and visitors bureau of Bucks County.

All activities for New Hope Celebrates Pride can be viewed at www.newhopecelebrates.com, where an extensive 2011 New Hope-Lambertville LGBT Guide Book can be downloaded, way-pointing travelers to the best lodgings, restaurants, attractions and stores to explore in the area.

SAVE 10 % On all NHC sponsored events in May 2011 Pride
Special offers available from the following participants:

• OutProfessionals (NYC region)
• National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association
• Rainbow Dee’s Brooklyn
• The Men Events (NYC)
• Robert Valin productions ( producer of Bear events such as Fur Ball)
• Pittsburgh Pride
• Queertimes (Philadelphia)
• Way Out World (NYC)
• Human Rights Campaign (Phila.)
• Strictly Social (Bucks Co.)
• Bucks County Lesbian Association
• Gotham Volleyball Associates

NHC basket winners Eric and Mary Jackson with NHC members Geri Delevich and Marilyn Cichowski at the HRC dinner in Philadelphia.