Schedule of Events
Saturday, June 16, 2012

• The Parade begins at Monument Square in Portland at 12:30pm
• The Parade route ends at Deering Oaks Park
• The Festival in the park is from 1pm-5pm

(**Schedule is subject to change without notice**)

1:00PM
Opening Remarks; Master of Ceremonies Khris Frances;
Performance by Naya’s Trance Belly Dancers;
Appearances by Portland Mayor Michael F. Brennan
and Portland Police Chief Mike Sauschuck

1:30PM
A message from Mainers United for Marriage;
Performance by the Maine State Music Theater

2:15PM
Entertainers Miss Veronika & Miss Samantha perform;
Musical guest MeCa performs

2:45PM
 Burlesque Group Red Hot & Lady Like performs

3:00PM
Musical Guest Tina & Her Pony performs;
Entertainer Miss Joann performs

3:30PM
Dance Break! (audience participates);
A message by M.C. Khris Frances

3:40PM
Musical Guest Lauren Bateman performs

4:10PM
Comedian, Singer, Songwriter Khris Frances performs

4:35PM
Closing Remarks

**Schedule is subject to change without notice**

Grand Marshal
Police Chief Michael J. Sauschuck

Michael Sauschuck has been with the Portland Police Department for 15 years. Over the past decade, Sauschuck has received a number of awards for his commitment to the department including the Sergeant Michael J. Wallace Award, the Enrique Camarena Memorial Award from the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency, and the Heroes with a Heart Award.

Upon Chief Craig’s departure in August 2011, Sauschuck led the Police Department as Acting Police Chief, overseeing a department of more than two hundred employees and an annual budget of $13.4 million. He was selected as the department’s permanent Chief in January of 2012.  Sauschuck earned Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminology from the University of Maine in 1998. He is married to fellow Portland Police Detective, Mary Sauschuck.

Master of Ceremony
Khris Francis

Khris Francis is a comedian, singer & songwriter! He has the longest running one man musical comedy show in New England. Khris has performed in every major city across the U.S., headlining in Las Vegas & Lake Tahoe and even starred in the first legendary comedy store in LA. He is currently performing at Mainestreet in Ogunquit, Maine, for the 2012 summer season, plus you can catch his other performances up-and-down the East Coast. He is "proud to be the MC again for Southern Maine Pride."

Maine State Music Theatre

Maine State Music Theatre has been producing Broadway-quality musicals each summer at the Pickard Theater on the campus of Bowdoin College for over 50 years! With designers, directors, choreographers and performers straight from Broadway and National Touring Companies, the production values have won the theatre multiple awards and accolades across the U.S. and beyond. This summer MSMT is producing: A Chorus Line, Legally Blonde, Sunset Boulevard and 42nd Street.

Website: www.msmt.org

MeCa

Cousins David James & Ellen Masse met in 1983 at their family reunion, became fast friends, and eventually discovered that they shared the same musical fantasy. In 1989, Ellen moved from California to Maine to give their dreams a whirl, forming “MeCa” (derived from the abbreviations from their home states). 

Their latest CD titled "Handprints" will be released on August 11th at The Playhouse & Little Theatre at Nasson College in Springvale, Maine!  The duo is currently putting the final touches on this, their most personal CD yet!  They are very excited to be back at Southern Maine Pride for their fourth year!

Website: www.myspace.com/mecamusic

Lauren Bateman

As a childhood cancer survivor, Lauren Bateman knows the importance of living in the moment. That is why, at the age of 27, Lauren quit her job as a research scientist to pursue a career in music.

Lauren was a finalist in the 2009 Pride Idol competition and released her debut album, "I’ve Been Waiting," in the spring of 2010. Her music has been featured on local radio stations and pod casts. Her most recent album, "Here I Am," was released May 2012.

Website: www.laurenbateman.com

Miss JoAnn

Miss JoAnn, The Grand Dame of Female Illusion, has been doing drag for 42 years and has appeared all over the East Coast, including a one woman show in Puerto Rico. She is very well known for her timeless elegance and is currently "Miss Gay New Hampshire." She is also a member of Starlight Performers. Performing for many causes all over the state is the most rewarding part of her career.

Naya's Trance Belly Dance

Naya’s Trance Belly Dance is Maine’s premier professional belly dance company. Founded in 2001, the company has been entertaining audiences, educating individuals and building community for the past decade. The members of Naya's Trance are committed to their role as ambassadors of this beautiful dance and work diligently to share it with the local community.  They are thrilled to be dancing at the Southern Maine Pride festival this year and are dedicated to supporting the GLBTQIA community and the important work of Southern Maine Pride.

Website: www.nayastrance.com

Miss Samantha

Miss Samantha (aka Mark) has been doing drag for 13 great years. She has been involved in many fundraisers across the state for several different charities. Her passion for doing drag has elevated her to the performer that she is today. She held the title of "Miss Northern Maine Pride" in 2005 and currently holds the title of "Female Impersonator of the Year." She is also a member of Starlight Performers.

Tina & Her Pony

With warm smiles & honest simplicity, Tina & Her Pony bring a unique sound to the American folk tradition, featuring original songs that echo the sound of Appalachia, while creating new waves with radical, queer lyrics, uncommon instrumentation and vocals tighter than your mamas' brazier.

Tina & Her Pony released their full length, self-titled debut album in March 2012. The album was mixed and mastered in Oakland, Calif. with Myles Boisen (The Tigerlilies; Kronos Quartet) and features trumpeter Chris Grady (also featured on Tom Waits’ Mule Variations). In addition, the group released its six-track EP “Walkin’ in My Sleep” in March 2012. The sound on the EP has a playful, low-fi quality that highlights Collins’ and Jordan´s magnetic synergy as a standalone duo. Both albums are now available for download on iTunes and Amazon.

Website: www.tinaandherpony.com

Miss Veronika

Miss Veronika has been doing drag for 13 years. She was a member of Peacox Productions and is now a featured performer with Starlight Performers. She has performed all over the state for various charity functions and received a "Volunteer Service Award" from Governor Baldacci. Veronika also impersonates both Cher and Marilyn Monroe. She is also a past title holder for “Miss P.J.’s 2011”. She loves performing and meeting new people and is happy to support any worthy charity.

Brittany Rae Photography

Specializing in wedding & portrait photography all along the East Coast, Brittany Rae Bugaj attended the New England Institute of Professional Photography where she learned from the best in the wedding photography industry today. She has worked along side of one of Professional Photographers of America’s top 10 photographers and some of the very best wedding photographers in Maine, Georgia & California. She is a member of both the Maine Professional Photographers Association (MPPA) and the Professional Photographers of America (PPA).

Website: www.brittanyraephotography.com