Milwaukee PrideFest Gets Diva'd Up

It's the little Pride event that could. The first official festival was hosted in 1988, and ever since, PrideFest (June 12 - 14) keeps getting bigger and better - despite last year's stormy weather and a group of protesters that tried to draw attention away from the event. But hey, that's so 2008.

Organizers for '09 have whipped up a diva-tastic line up that rivals other cities twice as big as Milwaukee. Cyndi Lauper, Brandy, Etta James and Deborah Cox are all scheduled to perform.

The 2009 Milwaukee Pride Parade (ran by a separate organization) will be held on June 14, 2009 at 2:00pm and takes a route directly through the hub of many gay businesses of Second Street in the city.

The PrideFest Opening Ceremony is held Friday, June 12 at Main Stage from 4pm - Midnight, with Cyndi Lauper performing at 8pm.

Saturday's line up starts at 11am with a slew of local and regional talent, anchored by R&B superstar Brandy at 9pm. Special guest appearances include Jade from RuPaul's Drag Race and musician Bridget Lyons. Fireworks above Lakeshore State Park that night!

Sunday continues the all-star line up with Etta James and The Roots Band at 7pm, along with Deborah Cox and a special performance by The Heat Birds.

Marathon DJ sessions at the PrideFest Dance Pavilion kick into high gear at 7pm, hosted by Pump!

Other areas include the Health & Wellness Stage, Arts and History Pavilion, Youth Stage and Stonewall Stage.

For more, visit the Milwaukee PrideFest's official site.

Photos: Getty Images