Joshua Tree Gay Pride Day
June 24, 2010
Dove Release, Awards Ceremony, Live Music & Gallery Crawl
Starting Saturday afternoon, people in the Morongo Basin may spot a flock of white doves heading north out of Joshua Tree this Saturday shortly after 6:00 pm. The spectacular release is planned to recognize the struggle for equality faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in the United States.
A white dove release is symbolic of peace, love and serenity,” says Tom Carlson of High Desert Doves, the company coordinating the release. It’s part of the free Joshua Tree Gay Pride Saturday evening event at the outdoor Art Queen complex at 61855 – 29 Palms Hwy., next to Joshua Tree Saloon where parking is free in their lighted parking lot.
Rabbit & Rutherford Lead Evening’s Entertainment Following a few words on social justice and equality, State Assembly candidate, Carl Wood, will signal for the dove’s release about 6:30 pm. Food and beverage venders, community groups doing outreach, LGBT media, music and dancing will carry the event up to the midnight hour with live performances by Rabbit & Rutherford of Gram Rabbit, Quinn & Hood with Kinky, Shari Elf & The Kittens, and many more. DJ Lime Sparkle spins an eclectic mix between sets.
Local Humanitarians to be Honored
The evening’s keynote speaker is four-term San Diego City Commissioner, Nicole Murray Ramirez, a community organizer with 40 plus years of service in the name of equality. Ramirez, who has himself received the Cesar Chavez humanitarian award, will recognize and present commendation certificates for outstanding contributions to five locals including two students, two journalists, and a local businessman. Candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives, Pat Meagher, will be on hand to echo the equality theme.
Self –Guided Gallery Crawl Starts Early, Goes Late
The day’s family-friendly programming begins in the before lunchtime with the Joshua Tree Summer Gallery Crawl, a self-guided tour of six local art galleries, all with extended hours until 8:30 pm or later. Consider starting at Woods In The Desert Art Gallery, 61325 – 29 Palms Hwy. Pick up your free 2010 Joshua Tree Pride Guide there and continue one block east to The Red Arrow Gallery and Joshua Tree Art Gallery. Go one more block east to True World Gallery and Wind Walkers. Get a bite along the way at Natural Sisters, Crossroads Café, Ricochet Gourmet, Teacakes Bakery, or enjoy a snack in the inviting serenity of the Starlight Courtyard. Return to Courtyard for live music in the evening. You don’t need a map or a car; it’s all there in Joshua Tree Village.
More Dancing & Camping in North Joshua Tree
More Pride activities run concurrently beginning at 7:00 pm at the multi-media Shangrila installation, 1030 Shangrila Road in North Joshua Tree. Take in the work of more than 20 artists and groove under the stars to outer space jams by DJ Backpack. Bring your own backpack and stay the night as guests are encouraged to use the on-site camping facilities. More information is at www.shangrilart.blogspot.com
Not into camping? Try the LGBT family-friendly Mojave Sands Motel, the legendary Joshua Tree Inn or the luxury Sacred Sands B&B. For weekend or extended accommodations check out www.JoshuaTreeHighlandsHouse.com or call 760-366-3636.
Joshua Tree Gay Pride is organized by Courage Campaign’s Team Morongo Basin, a non-profit, grass roots, advocacy group. The all-volunteer event is funded by local organizations, merchants and individuals. For more information about Joshua Tree Gay Pride and for up to the minute news visit www.JoshuaTreeGayPride.com |
