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MAIN ARTICLE | RED CARPET | SUMMERTRAMP STAGE | PRIDE PARADE
WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA- I’m reminded of a scene from *Sex and the City* when Samantha takes the gals to a gay bar and uses the bathroom, saying, “Don’t mind me, fellas… just looking. Kinda like being a diabetic at Baskin Robbins.” That’s sort of how I felt making my way through the pit crowd when the DJ’s tunes started really thumping. Over the course of the weekend, I’d been hit twice in the head with beach balls that looked like boobs, showered with champagne by one of Janelle Monáe’s backup dancers, and the final WeHo virgin rite of passage was about to take place: the glitter bomb. When it happened, it was beautiful. Oh, I do feel like a true woman now.
The SummerTramp Stage was billed as a “stunning state-of-the-art stage structure,” a “monumental disco shade shelter” with “glittering debauchery.” Well, not an undersell. But I noticed that the stage had a bit of a dual personality, or two roles to play for the success of the festival. During the day, the stage was a welcome chill-out spot if you didn’t nab VIP tickets and wanted some relief from the direct sun between sets on the main stage, or to be completely entertained by the DJ’s music and company while reclining in one of the many blow-up floats with a drink. Set off to the side and across the street from the main stage, walking in; you’ll immediately notice the giant disco ball letters announcing SummerTramp’s name.
The next thing you’d notice is the pop of green Astroturf, making the spot feel candy-colored and a bit like you’ve just landed in a technicolor Oz. The smoke machines might make you feel like you’ve just been blown in the face with a puff from the caterpillar’s hookah. As you ease into the octopus, flamingo, and unicorn pool floats, put your feet up, and drift away with a drink in your hand, you might forget all your worldly troubles.
As I made my way through, the often shirtless and glittery humans whom I stopped to take pictures of often offered hugs. I was greeted with appreciation and smiles, not something I was accustomed to normally, but then I realized that wearing a Dolly Parton tee the first day and a Proud Ally tee the next might have a way of immediately putting someone at ease. There was an air of freedom, humor, acceptance, and ease that usually only happens when people truly know themselves. It was a judgment-free zone. The experience during the day was lovely and chill, and I loved seeing the outfits that allowed the true personalities of the attendees to shine through.
Sparkling hats off to Arron Colbert, Deesco, Jack Faulkner, Jimi The Queen, Kimber Chronic, Pegasus, Nico Craig, Shaun Ross, Star Amerasu, Babiboi, Casey Alva, Daisy O’Dell, Josh Peace, Masha Mar, Mez, and Mike Taylor for holding down the vibe and keeping the tunes spinning throughout the day. It was evident early on that the DJs brought in far more people than they let go, as evidenced by the entrance in a constant state of backup and the exit free and clear of humans.
But after 5 pm, the SummerTramp Stage took more of an adult turn, and the “pleasure” in the pleasure part became increasingly relevant. As the sun got low, the energy of the attendees turned more to the performances of Purple Disco Machine, Aleena Zanders, Snow Wife, Kiesza, Crystal Waters, and Hot Chip’s DJ set. Gliding through the sea of people as I had in the light of day became impossible. The dancing and grinding made the attendees feel more like a cohesive unit as opposed to the individuals who stood out before. As someone who lands squarely on the introverted side, I found myself wanting to find a corner to watch the stage. That corner held a bit more relief from the crowds as the stage succumbed to the things that most music festivals do. It was absolutely intoxicating and so easy to lose yourself in the atmosphere that the artists who were performing fueled.
After bouncing back from the crowd of the main stage, I was reminded of how secret and special this area was, carved out for someone wanting to lose themselves in the music and atmosphere. The leather was tightened in some places and loosened in others, and body parts became increasingly less dressed. The sun had loosened its grip on the heat, but the warm bodies made sure that the heat was turned up. It was “a magical Brigadoon of decadence and delight.” Especially as the outfits became more sparkling, fringed, and naked, and, of course, the choreography. Snow Wife did indeed bring the choreography, sparkling fashion, and sex appeal that is quintessential for such an event. While I didn’t catch Kiesza’s (Derrick Lee’s got that one covered, more to come) and Crystal Waters’ sets, by all accounts, they stunned with all the perfection that they have come to be known for.
Overall, the SummerTramp Stage was an absolute blast, filled with fun and love. It was a delight to have as a place to have an alternative evening if you weren’t into the bigger acts on the main stage or just needed a spot to have a quieter, more intimate moment, especially after the sun went down.
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CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT MORE COVERAGE OF OUTLOUD AT WEHO PRIDE
MAIN ARTICLE | RED CARPET | SUMMERTRAMP STAGE | PRIDE PARADE
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CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT MORE COVERAGE OF OUTLOUD AT WEHO PRIDE
MAIN ARTICLE | RED CARPET | SUMMERTRAMP STAGE | PRIDE PARADE
