Celebrate Pride on Saturday at Montgomery’s Kru

Though much of Montgomery Pride United’s activities were moved to the end of October to avoid melting in Alabama’s summer heat, the city was in need of cool happenings for Pride Month.

That’s where Proud South: A Pride Celebration steps in for the LGBTQ community and its supporters with a night of adult fun at KRU on Mt Meigs, 2118 Mt., Meigs Road.

“This is really a celebration of love,” said Jake Pugh. He’s the creative director for Gravity, a Montgomery music event and party group. “When it boils right down to it, that’s what matters, building community empathy and tolerance.”

Gravity is working with Kru, Montgomery Pride United, MAO (Medical Advocacy & Outreach) and other allies to put on Proud South. 

“This is really the first big Pride party that we’ve done,” Pugh said.

There are at least 8 DJs scheduled to perform Saturday.

On the main stage will be The Secretary of Sound and Chasing b2b Special Guest, both from Montgomery, and Alexander of Atlanta. This will likely be on Kru’s front patio, depending on the weather.

“There’s a little more space and breathing room,” Pugh said.

They’re also scheduled to have five more DJs for a silent disco: DJ Oz, Emmerse, and Entropy Ray, all of Montgomery, Adina Renee of Atlanta, and Full Heart of Nashville. Again, depending on the weather, this will be at Kru’s restored back courtyard area, which has been closed but is scheduled to reopen Saturday. 

“We’ve been cleaning it up and getting it prepared,” Pugh said.

So what is silent disco?

Basically, multiple DJs will be performing at once on their own turntables, but without speakers. Their individual music is all going to be sent to wireless headphones. People can adjust the headphones to switch to different DJs. 

“It’s an interesting way to create a dancefloor atmosphere, where you may have people dancing together to different music,” Pugh said.

Proud South will also feature live painting, art installations, and a Pride history visual representation. 

The drag queen mistress of ceremonies will be Chloe Von Trap.

“A lot of community friends are coming together,” Pugh said.

Tickets are $10 in advance at eventbrite.com/e/proud-south-2022-a-pride-celebration-tickets-358644042987, and $15 at the door.

This is a 21 and up event. 

Along with artists and performers, Meta Ellis, director and co-founder of Montgomery Pride United, said Proud South will offer help and information for the community from all the participating groups.