Project Pride SRQ Announces Grand Carnival

April 29, 2024 | Sarasota

As the planning continues for Project Pride SRQ’s Pride Month events in June, event organizers are thrilled to announce the headliners for the Grand Carnival In Bloom on June 1. Traveling from Nashville to Sarasota for the gala event will be Lou Ridley and Brady Riley.

Originally from Houston, Tex., Lou Ridley’s deep-rooted connection to music finds its roots in her Southern heritage, with a distinctive musical style shaped by her journey through both adversity and triumph. In her 2021 debut single, “Hometown,” Ridley delves into the pains of her upbringing in Southlake, Tex., cementing her identity as an “anti-country” country artist determined to shatter the genre’s conventional, idealized narratives. Building on the triumph of “Hometown,” Ridley unveiled her acclaimed sophomore EP, “Angel / Outlaw,” which garnered acclaim from The Recording Academy and prominent media outlets. In response to the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade and ongoing attacks on LGBTQIA+ rights, Ridley released “Bless Your Heart” and launched a bold billboard campaign across Nashville to challenge the assault on freedom and the right to healthcare.

More recently, Ridley dropped “HellHound,” an impressive eight-track EP that brought her vulnerability to the forefront. The standout single, “Bible Belt,” gained traction on social media, resonating with listeners who shared their struggles with religious traumas. The project earned praise from The FADER and Nashville Scene, with well over 500,000 streams, and became the first country project to receive a ChopNotSlop remix.

Beyond her roles as a producer, performer and songwriter, Ridley is deeply committed to human rights activism, dedicating her time to serving organizations that assist individuals grappling with substance abuse and/or homelessness.

Brady Riley is the fresh face the pop-country scene has been waiting for. A little bit of Hollywood, a little bit of redneck, Riley blends the sounds of country, pop, and rock to create a genre he has named “Country Vogue.” From the small town of Winnie, Tex., Riley started singing before he could speak and he hasn’t stopped since. Growing up, he found his home on stage, expressing himself through writing and making music while developing the glamorous image he proudly showcases today.

Riley’s recent single, “Welcome to Chambers County,” is a testament to his authenticity as he writes about his life growing up in Texas, taking his listeners on a vivid journey. He is a dynamic performer, a power-house vocalist, and unapologetically himself. His music is a reflection of his true character – raw, real and radiant.

“By hosting these tremendous musical artists, we hope not only to surprise our guests by just how ‘out of the box’ country music can be but also encourage wider attendance through our chosen musical genre this year,” said Project Pride president Jason Champion. “We don’t limit our events to guests who are LGBTQ and/or allies – we want the whole community to consider attending. We know they’ll have a great time!”  

In addition to the live musical performances, the Grand Carnival In Bloom will feature a DJ spinning today’s hits, craft specialty cocktails, lite bites and desserts, and delightful surprises.

The Grand Carnival takes place on Saturday, June 1, 8-11 p.m. at the Sailor Circus Arena (2075 Bahia Vista St., Sarasota). Tickets – which include open bar, food and entertainment – are $125/VIP (enables early entry at 7 p.m.), $85/general admission; door price is $150, subject to availability.

Major sponsors include CAN Community Health, Gulf Coast Community Foundation, McCarver & Moser, SRQ Beats and the Herald-Tribune/LocaliQ. Proceeds from the event will support Project Pride’s programs and events.

For more about Project Pride and its Pride Month events, visit www.ppsrq.org.