2023-06-25 Hardly Raining
Queer/Pride Festival returned to Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood last weekend. The three-day outdoor event featured LGBTQIA+ centric music and drag performances along a closed-off street outside festival sponsor Queer/Bar.
The Sunday headliner was Australian-American dance-pop artist Betty Who. Flanked by two sometimes-shirtless background dancers, the out bisexual artist performed to an enthusiastic crowd who danced, sang along, and shot videos. During a technical problem at the beginning of her set, Who met a fan with a Betty Who-themed tattoo on her bicep.
Who had stepped in late to replace the original headliner, alt-country artist Orville Peck. Due to health concerns, the masked cowboy called off all his 2023 tours last week.
A highlight of the day was the many former contestants on Ru Paul’s Drag Race—including BenDeLaCreme, Luxx Noir London, and Heidi N Closet. These talented drag performers lip-synced, collected dollar bills, and flung off their elaborate outfits piece by piece.
Formerly Seattle-based surf-psych band La Luz performed a moody and well-received set.
The unique and quirky Burleskaraoke Takeover featured performers stripteasing to surprise tunes sung live by local karaoke champions. DJ Baby Van Beezly spun tunes between sets, and Jane Don’t emceed.
Approaching 80 degrees, the weather was perfect for an outdoor Pride dance celebration. A reasonable 10 p.m. end left plenty of time for attendees to recover before work on Monday.
Gallery: Queer/Pride Festival
