If you’re driving into L.A. this weekend for the annual Pride festival, expect to see a few unexpected attractions and performers.
Kimberly Denise Jones, aka Lil’ Kim of Queen Bee Entertainment, will take the stage from 6 to 7 p.m. Saturday. Known for her recent rap sheet and saucy rap lyrics on songs like “Lady Marmalade” and “How Many Licks,” this petite hip-hop mama is the antithesis of a Pride diva with the big voice and big girth.
Lil' Kim
Big attitude? She’s still got that.
If the rumors are true that Kim doesn’t care for the stylish and cutting-edge tribe member Nicki Minaj (she says she’s bisexual), she may have something to prove with her performance before an LGBT audience — and that could mean a good show for attendees.
Other celebrities participating in LA PRIDE include actress Molly Ringwald as parade grand marshal, comedian Alec Mapa, and singers Jessica Sutta, Karmin and Dev.
Other unexpected features include The Trevor Project as the parade’s community grand marshal and a 10,000-square-foot water park.
Party time
The celebration opens at noon Saturday and continues until midnight. It kicks off at 11 a.m. Sunday and closes at 11 p.m. The parade begins at 11 a.m. Sunday at Santa Monica and Crescent Heights and runs to Roberston at the festival grounds.
The festival will take place in the newly renovated West Hollywood Park, located between Santa Monica and Melrose, and Robertson and san Vicente.
Freebies
The only free admission is to the annual parade, which traditionally draws a crowd of 400,000. It also will be available through streaming online at lapride.org, weho.org and gay.com.
A festival ticket costs $20 on site.
The full experience
Get there Saturday if you can. Those in the know say there will be fewer people (usually 20,000 attendees daily) and easier access to all the booths and activities.
Information: lapride.org