Music

Pop music lovers from around the world were introduced to Jessica Sutta in 2003 when she joined the Pussy Cat Dolls. Today, Jessica has launched a successful solo career and her popularity continues to grow.

Here are three things you might not know about

1. Jessica Sutta’s Rock’n Bod

Let’s be honest, Jessica has an amazing body, but how does she do it?

“I do Kundalini yoga,” Jessica said. “It’s changed my life. It’s a relaxing hour-and-a-half intense workout. It’s healing and magical.”

Kundalini is a physical, mental and spiritual yoga discipline that develops strength, awareness, character and inspires creative energy.

2. Jessica’s Mentor

Although Jessica may be inspired to be the next Kylie Minogue, that’s not who she looks up to as a mentor to help her reach her goals.

“My mom made me dream big,” explained Jessica, as she talked about who she looked up to the most. “She did it by supporting me and loving me. She worked three jobs to put into dance class. She wanted me to have the world”

That’s a pretty darn awesome mom, to be that passionate about wanting to give her daughter an amazing jump on life.

3. What’s a Girl to do…

Outside of our full-time jobs, we all have stuff we love to do in our spare time.

“I love arts and crafts” Jessica said, describing her favorite things to do in her down time. “I enjoy making vision boards and jewelry.”

In addition to her hobbies that allow her to express her creative side, Jessica also enjoys delving into spirituality, angle cards, and reading.

Hundreds of enthusiastic and cheering fans came out last night to see Owl City perform at Commodore Ballroom in downtown Vancouver. The room buzzed with excitement as the electronic band pounded out song after song, including their platinum hit Fireflies and their latest and hottest single featuring Carly Rae Jepsen, Good Time.

Lead singer, Adam Young, started the band in 2007 in his parents basement. Adam, is skilled in playing a variety of instruments including both guitar and drums. His music ranges from pop-dance songs to mellow instrumentals.

Owl City is currently promoting their latest album, Mid Summer Station, on a multi-country world tour.

Jessica’s outfit at Market Days in Chicago was designed by Derrek Lee.

The gays love their sexy divas! And one of the hottest diva’s who is quickly raising her profile in the LGBT community is none other than the fabulous Jessica Sutta.

In 2003, Jessica Sutta stormed the international pop music scene with the Pussy Cat Dolls. She built an amazing reputation as a singer, dancer, and entertainer. Her passion for music had her embark on a solo career, which has taken off, especially after her single, Show Me, was released in August 2011.

Since going solo, Jessica has aligned herself with the gay community. Not just because the gays love awesome pop music and know how to party, but because she really believes in LGBT rights.

“Pride events have really changed my life,” said Jessica as she described why she performs at so many gay pride events. “I love how strong the LGBT community is. Like the fight for civil rights, and the NOH8 Campaign. It’s an honour to be a part of that.”

Thousands of enthusiastic fans came to Market Days in Chicago to see Jessica Sutta perform live.

Jessica Sutta and Mr. Gay Canada 2012 People’s Choice winner, Brian Webb, at Market Days2012 in Chicago.

But Jessica didn’t decide to target the gay community because of her music.

“Growing up, I had friend that were gay,” Jessica said as she described her long term connection to the LGBT community. “They described how they felt like outsiders. I hope in my next lifetime I come back as a gay man. People respect who they are. They have the courage. Being gay is one of the most difficult things in life.”

One of Jessica’s proudest moments in the LGBT community was performing at San Francisco Pride.

“I connected with the audience,” Jessica explained as she described the explosion of energy she felt being on stage, performing in front of thousands of cheering fans. “They got me. I got them. I started to cry as I was getting off the stage.” It was a big emotional moment for Jessica; a moment she will never forget.

Throughout the summer of 2012 Jessica attended and performed at LA Pride, Toronto Pride and Market Days in Chicago.

Jessica was particularily excited about Market Days in Chicago.

“Just got chills thinking about performing,” said Jessica. “Performing my new single, Make It Loud! I can’t wait.” And the crowed loved every moment of her August 11, 2012 performance.

The LGBT community has shown their love for Jessica and her music. They have supported her solo career and have invited her to attend and perform at many events across North America. The community looks to icons like Sutta to help raise the profile and awareness of LGBT rights and issues and to support the important causes they face.

Photos from Jessica Sutta’s live performance at Market Days in Chicago, August 11, 2012:

With hits including Joyride, Listen to Your Heart, Dangerous, Dressed for Success, and Must Have Been Love, Roxette made a huge impression on the music scene throughout the 1980’s and 90’s. Today, the Swedish band is back on the road performing their hits spanning the last three decades, including some new songs.

Roxette recently performed at Rogers Arena in Vancouver. What many people don’t know is that lead singer, Marie Fredriksson, now suffers from blindness in her right eye as a result of having both a tumor in the back of her head and brain cancer. Her serious illnesses have dramatically altered her ability to perform on stage, however Marie has not let her disabilities diminish her desire and passion to perform on stage.

It was evident the crowd was wanted the old Roxette. The room was filled with energy and excitement for the rock band, but after the first song when Marie just stood in one place slapping her hip, the crowd had an awkward reaction. It wasn’t just for the first song, but literally for the entire concert.

As the band pushed through and other members made up for her loss of movement on stage, the crowd had a disconnected feeling. The other band members danced around the stage and tried to keep the audience engaged by dancing around the stage, but it was evident their fans were hesitant on how to react to the situation.

What made a difficult situation even more awkward was when Marie and the rest of the band would get the crowd warmed up on a song and then completely stop, hoping the crowd could keep the song going. Each time the audience struggled to keep the words going and the song would fade miserably until the band started playing again.

This was probably one of the most calm, behaved and quietest concerts Rogers Arena has ever hosted. The mix of hit songs and ballads had the crowd up and down in their seats all throughout the show.

It must be incredibly hard for the once successful rock band to step onto a stage in an arena, and with obvious deep passion for music, playing their hearts out just like they would have two decades ago when they were at their peak, only to have the crowd half-heartily engaged.

Cancer is tough. It sucks the life out of a person. In this case, it’s sad to say that it’s also sucked the life out of Roxette live on stage. Keep the CD’s handy though, and enjoy the songs on the radio, because Roxette will always have a good place in our hearts as the legendary Swedish rock band from the 80′s and 90′s.

On Wednesday, September 12, Glass Tiger hit the stage at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, BC. The Canadian band, originally named Tokyo, is from Ontario, and still knocks out a solid concert with all their hit music, bursting with energy.

Just as exciting as they were when they burst onto the music scene in the 1980’s, Glass Tiger wowed the crowd with their classic songs that we’ve come to know and love on the radio. Fans eagerly sang along throughout the concert including to the popular hit song, Thin Red Line.

The band hit their peak in the mid 80’s when they won three Juno awards in 1986 and two more in 1987. Glass Tiger was also nominated for a Grammy Award in 1987 for best new artist.

The band is promoting their new album and is currently on a late-summer tour with Roxette, after having just returned from their third trip to Afghanistan.

From a very young age, Jessica knew she wanted to be a singer.

“I would perform in front of my mirror until the wee hours of the morning,” Jessica giggled. “It’s a dream come true.”

For most teenage girls, growing up to be a pop singer could only be a dream. But not for Jessica. The singer, actress and dancer hit it big when she was signed on to be a famed Pussy Cat Doll.

“I learned so much,” Jessica said as she described her seven year career with the Pussy Cat Dolls. “There was not on particular thing. I grew up. I became a really good performer.”

In 2010, Jessica made the decision to embark on a solo career. It was a decision she can be proud of, especially when her debut single, Show Me, hit the #1 spot on the Billboard charts.

“Breaking into a solo career is hard, but it’s worth it,” described Jessica. “It’s so fulfilling to do it on your own. I feel like I’m earning this, as opposed to having it handed to me.

Jessica has the support of her past band members and appreciates everything they have done for her and her career.

“Don’t give up,” is Jessica’s advice for upcoming artists. “It’s not easy. If it was, everyone would be doing it. Have a reason bigger than you to be on that stage. To create that music.”

Jessica is set to release her new album in September 2012.

Photos in this post were taken at Sugarbeach during Toronto Pride 2012 where Jessica Sutta performed her hit song, “Show Me”, in front over thousands of enthusiastic fans. 

Fifteen years after the hit song MMMbop made them international pop-stars, the Hanson trio are still performing and banging out the hits.

Despite the threat of rain, the three pop artists, Isaac, Taylor and Zachary performed during the Summer Nights Concert series at the PNE in Vancouver, BC, in front of a full-crowd of eager fans.

Their display of talent spanning their career kept the crowd going for the 45+ minute performance on the WestJet Festival concert stage.

At the end of a summer tour, Gavin De Graw made a stop over in Vancouver, BC to perform at the PNE on Sunday, August 26, 2012.

Throughout the 45 minute set, Gavin entertained the crowd with many of his popular hits including Chariot, I Don’t Want to Be, In Live with a Girl, and Not Over You.

Gavin’s fingers magically danced along the keys of the piano for many of the songs her performed during the show.

The well-seasoned performer kept the crowd entertained as he told stories and had some fun with the live-camera crew filming the event.

The 35 year-old American, singer, songwriter is ending a summer co-headline tour with Gammy award winner, Colbie Caillat.

The talented 27 year-old Colbie Caillat memorized the crowds on Sunday, August 26 on the WestJet Festival Stage as part of the Summer Nights concert series at the PNE.

The Grammy award-winning singer kept the crowd entertained as she cheerfully sang a mix of songs off her three albums.

Fans were treated to a special duet with Gavin DeGraw, whom she has been co-touring with this summer.

To date, Colbie has sold over six million albums and ten million singles world-wide.

Talk about a jump into the music spotlight! On November 17, 2005, Levi Kreis’ music career was catapulted into the spotlight after he released his debut album and had his music played on a special edition of NBC’s The Apprentice on XM radio. It wasn’t luck. It was his destiny.

After his good fortune from his first album launch which received world-wide attention, Levi went on to record five studio albums over the next six years.

But he didn’t stop there. He pursued his dream of performing on stage. Levi was cast in the role of Roger in the national tour of RENT, and played a leading role the in award-winning independent film Don’t Let Go.

Levi’s acting career soared to new heights when he received a Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical on June 13, 2010, where he played the role of Jerry Lee Lewis in Broadway’s musical, Million Dollar Quartet.

Born in Oliver Springs, Tennessee, Levi is an openly gay actor, singer and songwriter. He plays both piano and guitar.

Levi will soon be releasing his sixth album, Imagine Paradise.

Levis recently performed at Market Days in Chicago, IL, and will be touring Tokyo, Japan in September 2012.

A bomb-shell blond with a rock’n body. That’s Jessie Malakouti. She’s the song writer, singer and mastermind behind Jessie and the Toy Boys, and she’s quickly working her way up the music charts and creating a fun group of pop-loving  followers in her path.

Her music career started in Los Angeles, California, where she was part of a small band that got the odd gig at a local bar or festival. With a passion for pop music and her creative energy bursting at the seams, she left the band to pursue a solo career.

From 2008 – 2010 Jessie lived in London, discovering the world of underground dance music. Inspired by music icons, including Lady Gaga, Jessie invested her energy to create energetic, fun, and memorable pop music.

Gone are the days of Jessie playing in dark, sweaty bars. Today Jessie has a number of chart-hitting singles and has put out a few full-length albums. She tours across North America on stages with thousands of fans grinding to her catchy songs including, All My Hoes Touch Your Toes.

Jessie is a proud supporter of the LGBT community. On Valentines day 2012, Jessie released Runway, a music video featuring Mollie Thomas, the first openly gay women running for Miss California USA.

Jessie and the Toy Boys performed on Saturday, August 11, 2012, at Market Days in Chicago, the largest LGBT music festival in the mid-western United States. She rocked it out in a comfortable pair of white Dr. Martin boots and an awesome pair of rhinestone encrusted denim short-shorts.

From pop to jazz, to funk, country and rock, for over three decades the Pointer Sisters have been writing songs, performing on stage and entertaining crowds around the world.

It all started out in 1969 when June and Bonnie Pointer got together and started a duet. A few years later, sister Anita joined, forming The Pointer Sisters. Even sister Ruth joined to make the group a quartette.

Although their first ten years together were enjoyable, they grew to great success in the early 1980’s  with hit songs including Jump (For My Love), I’m So Excited, and Slow Hand.

In 1992 the Pointer Sisters received their star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and  were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2005.

The Pointer Sisters have been a long-time supporter of the LGBT community. In 2002 they performed at San Jose Gay Pride. Since then, the Pointer Sisters have made appearances at Pride Festivals across the United States, demonstrating their support for equality.

The Pointer Sisters are still make appearances, warming crowds of all ages to their wonderful array of music that now spans generations. In August 2012, the Pointer Sisters performed at Market Days in Chicago, IL, the largest LGBT music festival in the mid-west.

It’s been a busy year from The New Cities, as they tour across North America promoting their current album, Kill the Lights. They band has performed at SXSW in Austin, Texas, Bamboozle in Asbury Park, New Jersey, and the Summer Playland Festival in Vancouver, BC.

The Juno nominated band, The New Cities, got together in Trois-Rivers, Quebec back in 2006 when they released their first independent album, The New Cities EP. By 2008 they were signed with Sony Music Canada, and in 2009 released their second album, Lost in City Lights.

Throughout 2011, TNC released a number of singles in the lead up to their third album, Kill the Lights. After the album was released they joined Avril Lavigne’s Canadian tour, Black Star Tour.

The band has gained notoriety with their music appearing in shows including Gossip Girl and Degrassi Takes Manhattan. Two of their songs were used in each Season 2 and Season 3 of So You Think You Can Dance Canada.

Just in time for Vancouver Pride, gay dance/pop music artist, Tyrell Witherspoon, has released in latest single, One Step Closer. The track was born when Tyrell revamped old lyrics and revamped the song with the help of Vancouver DJ and producer, Nick Bertossi. The new song is a pulsing dance track with emotional lyrics asking for the love of your life to come back after a rocky break-up period.

Filmed and produced in Vancouver, B.C., One Step Closer, is a story of two gay lovers who get in a fight over a jealous situation with a mutual friend. In the video, Tyrell dances out his emotions, while his fiancé, Patrick, heads to the 1181, a local lounge, to meet up with ‘Kevin’. After Kevin beings to hit on Patrick, Patrick leaves, realizing he has made a mistake and desperately tries to reach Tyrell. The video closes with Patrick returning to the apartment looking for Tyrell to forgive him.

“I’ve always tried to write songs that come from an honest place,” Tyrell said as he recalled his inspirations for the new song and video. “Whether their my own personal stories or stories I’ve observed from family or friends. My songs may be dance-y and up-tempo but in the end, I want the song to relate to you and mean something. I grew up listening to music that served a purpose and I want my listeners to know that I have a heart.”

Regardless of his sexual orientation, Tyrell is set to break into the mainstream pop music scene. Tyrell credits Adam Lambert, Ricky Martin, Jake Shears of the Scissor Sisters and the newly out Frank Ocean for their inspiration and courage.

“The music industry is very heterosexually dominated,” explained Tyrell. “But, just because I am engaged to a man doesn’t mean my stories of love and heartbreak are any different. I want to help the world see that.

One Step Closer is available for download purchase on iTunes.

Eight time Juno and four time Grammy award winning, Canadian, LGBT music legend, KD Lang, is on a summer long tour, with dozens of stops in three countries. The singer, song writer and actress was recently in Vancouver with her band, Siss, Boom, Bang.

Born in Edmonton, Alberta, Kathryn Dawn Lang grew up on the praries. She went on to collage at Red Deer College, where she was inspired to persue her love of music. Throughout her music career she has been inspired by Patsy Cline and fellow Canadian folk music icon, Anne Murray.

In addition to her Grammy and Juno awards, KD Lang has also won Female Vocalist of the Year awards in 1988 and 1989, and was the 4-time consecutive winner of Entertainer of the Year from the Canadian Country Music Association.

KD Lang performed Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah, live at the opening ceremonies of the 2012 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver, B.C. at BC Place. Just four months later, in May 2010, KD Lang filled in last minute on the Logie Awards show in Australia for Susan Boyle, singing the same song. More recently she performed You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch, on the Christmas episode of Glee.

KD Lang came out in 1992 in an article published in LGBT magazine, The Advocate. She has been a strong supporter of HIV/AIDS care and research and in 2011 was inducted into the Q Hall of Fame Canada for her work of equality and rights for people around the world. She was also featured in the now famous ‘Coming Out’ episode of Ellen.

In 2008, KD Lang entered into a domestic partnership with her girlfriend of five years, Jamie Prince. They were separated at the end of 2011.

KD Lang is currently on tour in Australia, and will be touring across the United States in August and then in Canada in September.

Just weeks after releasing her newest single, Break My Heart, 17 year old singer, dancer and actress, Victoria Duffield performed live at Playland in Vancouver as part of the SFP Concert on Sunday, July 8, 2012.

Victoria was a contestant on season three of YTV’s reality show, The Next Star. She placed into the top 6. After the show, she went on to sign with Warner Music Canada and released her first single, Secrets.

In September 2010, Victoria released Fever, on iTunes, followed by two more singles in 2011 on her debut album, Bam Bam and Hey!!! In February 2012, Feel was released.

Photo Credit: John Viscott

With a music career spanning three decades and an advocate for the LGBT community, Belinda Carlisle was welcomed with open arms on the Main Stage at LA Pride in West Hollywood Park on Saturday, June 9, 2012.

The show began with a video montage of Carlisle’s hit songs and media interviews, including interviews she did with RuPaul, and quickly led into her hit song, Be Free, followed by her first single in 1986, Mad About You. Throughout the hour long concert she performed many of her other classic and popular songs from both her solo career and songs from her time with the Go Go’s.

“I have a gay son and I wouldn’t have it any other way,” proclaimed Carlisle during her performance in front of thousands of attendees. Carlisle last performed at LA Pride in 2003.

An ocean of loyal and die-hard fans of The Queen Bee, came out in droves to see her perform live at LA Pride on Saturday, June 9, 2012.

The Brooklyn born rapper kept the crowd entertained for well over an hour with hit songs that spanned her music career.

The five-time Grammy nominated and winner of Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals for  the 2002 hit, “Lady Marmalade”, enjoyed her time on stage and thanked her loyal fans over and over.

The concert included multiple wardrobe changes of sexy costumes, incredibly sexy dancers and support crew, and beats that kept the crowd entertained throughout the entire performance.

Overall, the gay’s loved Lil Kim and the Mayor of West Hollywood gave her the keys to the city after she proclaimed West Hollywood her second home.

The show was one of many stops along her 2012 Return Of The Queen Tour.

On the main stage in front of thousands of fans, West Hollywood Mayor, Jeffrey Prang, officially welcomed Lil’ Kim to West Hollywood, and thanked her for her support of the LGBT community. It was all part of the LA Pride celebrations on Saturday, June 9 in West Hollywood, California.

Grammy Award winner and actress, Lil’ Kim, is one of the largest female rap artists of her time, with platinum records in 1997 and 2000, two Soul Train / Lady of Soul awards, and was The Source Hip-Hop Music Awardee for Female Artist of the Year in 2003.

The City of West Hollywood recognized Lil’ Kim for her dedication to supporting the LGBT community and for her support of gay marriage. Lil’ Lim performed for thousands of her fans at the 42^nd Annual LA Pride Festival on June 9, 2012.

West Hollywood proudly celebrated their 42^nd annual pride June 8-11. They hosted the world’s first pride parade in the world and are one of the largest pride events in the United States.

Toronto Pride is going to be jam-packed with hot guys, amazing entertainment and amazing music. Plan now to end the weekend with beats by the hottest DJ couple on the circuit; DJ’s Dave and Gerardo. The New York DJs, producers and lovers have played at the hottest clubs and circuit events in Canada, the United States, Mexico and South America, and this year they will be spinning at the Prism Revival Party on Sunday, July 1.

D&G, as they are known, are best recognized for their love of house music. Their career started at Splash in New York, and they quickly entered the international circuit scene.

Today, D&G are regulars in south Florida at Score in Miami and Living Room in Ft. Lauderdale. Together, they mix fresh tracks – from house music and tribal beats to classic vocals. They love to create high-energy that fills the room

In the studio, they create high energy sounds with remixes of Tiesto, Missy Elliot, and Gloria Estefan.

Prism’s Revival is the highlight-closing event of Toronto Pride weekend. Also DJ’ing at Revival will be Peter Rauhoffer and Shaun Riker, Javier Madina, Deko-ze and Cesar Murillo. Tickets are $85 per person.

For $199, purchase a All-Access pass will get you into the hottest Prism events: Aqua / Boot Camp / College Night / Main Event / Revival.

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