Dyke diva Lori Michaels to perform at Babes party, PrideFest

Lesbian legend Lori Michaels who has been crowned “The Dyke Diva” due to her high-energy performances and ability to captivate audiences across the nation, travels to Denver this weekend to perform Friday, June 17, at the Babes Around Denver Pride party at Tracks and Saturday, June 18, at PrideFest.

Michaels has been named one of Curve magazine’s 2008 top seven entertainers of the year as she travels from coast to coast performing and headlining the biggest Pride festivals in the country with her non-stop Live Out Loud Pride Tour.

A Pride entertainer favorite, singer and songwriter Michaels has been asked to return to Denver after last year’s impressive performances. With the release of her full- length debut album Living My Life Out Loud in 2008, it quickly became clear that this is one woman who isn’t afraid to make a statement.

Dede Frain, owner and founder of Babes Around Denver, invited Michaels to return to Denver — she performed at the women’s party last year. Michaels will take the PrideFest’s main stage at 3 p.m. June 18.

Michaels spoke with Out Front Colorado about what drives her music, her message to the community and the party favors of bras and panties from her adoring fans.

Rumor has it you are the biggest lesbian contender to perform at this year’s PrideFest.

One of the main lesbian contenders or victims? (laughs).

What is exciting to you about returning to perform in Denver?

Last year when I performed, there were more than 1,500 people at the Pride party. The crowds at both events were so overwhelmingly awesome and receptive and really welcoming with open arms and bras and panties and fun stuff like that. It was great to be out West, and specifically to get such a great response. The Denver audience was very gracious and I really appreciated it.

What is your favorite aspect of live performances?

It’s definitely the people and the crowds. That’s what inspires me to continue to keep coming back to perform at Pride festivals. People are not only celebrating the Pride festival, but they are celebrating who they are. Ya know, I have a passion for performing, but I really, really believe in putting out a positive message while having fun at the same time. That’s the best part of it.

Speak a little bit more about your message? Is it about LGBT acceptance?

The message to me all comes back to love. It’s really that simple, and it’s almost that corny. It’s loving who you are, and loving each other. I don’t even like to use the words “tolerance” or “acceptance.” It’s more just be who you are, love who you are. Reach out and connect with other people, whether they are gay, straight or in between, it doesn’t matter. It’s a message of unity and a celebration of life really.

Can you give us a sneak peak of some of the songs you may be performing in Denver?

Actually, I’m really excited. I’ve been fortunate to have a few dance songs that are pretty popular. I’m really looking forward to performing a few dance songs, including my gay party anthem, “Meet Me At The Partay,” “Wild Ride” – which was featured on MTV – and “Rebound” which was a billboard hit. I’m especially happy to be performing my new dance song called “Tattle-tale” which is a pop-dance track. I can’t wait for people to hear that. I’m going to throw out a few surprises as well. You might catch me doing some funky dance breaks. It’s going to be high energy. It has to be, at this festival. We’re gonna keep everything up-beat and sexy.

How many years have you been performing at Pride festivals?

Officially, we started in 2008, with the release of my album, Living My Life Out Loud. Out of that came the Live Out Loud Pride Tour. We perform from L.A., Boston, Washington D.C, Florida, and New Jersey to New York City and beyond. I’m still happy to be a part of the circuit of Pride festival shows. And I’m very, very thrilled to be considered a festival favorite.

When did you come out?

I was actually never in! (laughs). I was really very fortunate because even back then in the early ’90s, I had girlfriends, and people weren’t even as open as they are now. I was never really harassed. I think that’s the biggest reason, above all, that I’d really like to normalize this issue. I’d love people to feel as comfortable as I have, with who they are. My wish, especially for young teens struggling with their sexuality, is to help the community and normalize this issue. That’s really my goal and what I’m trying to do with my music.

You are a true representative of our community.

I think as you can probably tell, I can make a statement anywhere I go. I want people to be able to get along, have fun and help each other. In that sense I’m very kum-bah-yah, minus the yoga and meditation. I’m still working towards that. (laughs).

Where do you gain your inspiration for your music as a singer/songwriter?

My real life. I have to be honest with you in saying that if my songs don’t write themselves then I don’t bother to continue to write them. That may sound very simple. My songs are pretty much what goes on in my life and what goes on around me. Everything from “Meet Me At The Partay” to the love songs. Although, if I performed all of my love songs, I would need Kleenex to sponsor my shows. I’d be a mess trying to get through the love songs that I wrote! That’s why you will usually catch me more upbeat.

Are you going to be performing solo this year?

This year I’m bringing just one dancer/performer with me so, it’s almost solo. It’s always a thrill for me to just perform and sing my songs. The dancer is going to help get the crowd going with me. And who knows, I may grab somebody from the audience and throw them onstage with me as well. I have been known to do that.

What would you say to the Colorado public to get them to come out for Pride?

Since I was there last year and saw firsthand what a great time everybody had I would say that this is a weekend where there will be events you don’t wanna miss. I hope that everyone will come out to have a good time.