Photographer Rachel Robyn
What inspired you to curate this Pride Playlist at 54 Below?
That is a great question that has a long answer! Firstly, thanks for having me here at Ouch! It is an honor. I never intended to be do a Pride Show. If you would have asked me as a teenager, I would have been so scared to stand in my truth and sing songs for Pride, but as my journey unfolded the past 10 years or so, I had the chance to speak honestly and openly about my own journey. When I recorded "I Think He Knew" for my Unfinished Business Album and the video went viral with parents of queer youth and with the Queer community, it really empowered me to stand in my truth. I feel very strongly in being who you are and as an artist that means singing the music that moves me, that I have loved my whole life, and that makes me smile. These are all Diva anthems that I have been singing for 30+ years, but often have been too afraid to sing in public. Last year, we blew the roof off with songs by a ton of Divas and this year we are going to do it even bigger and better!
Can you give us a sneak peek into the lineup of songs for Robert Bannon's Pride Playlist?
Sure thing! Well expect everything from Ms. Ross and Donna Summer to Gay TV Theme Songs, a Pride Country Medley, Madonna, Tina, Whitney, and more! I guarantee you a dance party with moments to grab those tissues. This is not your sit pretty and have a drink kind of cabaret. We are coming to celebrate!
How do you infuse personal experiences into his performance at 54 Below?
Well, I have a wonderful director Robbie Rozelle, who makes sure that each song moves a story. One of the most cathartic things about cabaret is that it is a very vulnerable and personal experience. My music accompanies my own journey. No matter where you fall in the spectrum of love, sexuality, and life, we are all connected in some universal ways. This show is for anyone who looks to fit in, stand out, and be themselves. With my podcast, "The Roundtable" on The Broadway Podcast Network and with my live album "Rewind" I have gotten used to telling the stories that I would be nervous to tell so now it's no holds barred. We are telling the whole truth and nothing but the truth up there.
How do you infuse personal experiences into his performance at 54 Below?
Well, I have a wonderful director Robbie Rozelle, who makes sure that each song moves a story. One of the most cathartic things about cabaret is that it is a very vulnerable and personal experience. My music accompanies my own journey. No matter where you fall in the spectrum of love, sexuality, and life, we are all connected in some universal ways. This show is for anyone who looks to fit in, stand out, and be themselves. With my podcast, "The Roundtable" on The Broadway Podcast Network and with my live album "Rewind" I have gotten used to telling the stories that I would be nervous to tell so now it's no holds barred. We are telling the whole truth and nothing but the truth up there.
What sets this Pride Playlist apart from other Pride events in the New York City?
No shade to the rest of the world, but NY is the epicenter of Pride. It is an honor to do this show in NYC and at 54 Below! There is so much Pride Programming in June, but what sets this show apart is I feel strongly in breaking stereotypes. Everyone else does their show and I love them, but we are Family Friendly. We do not do shirtless dancing on a box! I am forty years old so we are grown here. Ha! We do grown fun music, open for all, all invited, and all under the umbrella of acceptance and love. This is a safe space where all are welcome.
Can attendees expect any surprise guest appearances during the performance?
Emmy Winner & Star of "On Your Feet" Mauricio Martinez will join me for an epic duet by two Gay Icons! I cannot wait! He is such an icon in the Broadway, Latin, and Cabaret scene. We have something special cooked up for you!
How do you navigate the intersectionality of LGBTQ+ identities through his music selection?
This is also a great question. Over the past two years, I have tried to include music by a lot of advocates and allies of the LGBTQ+ community but not pigeon hole the music to one genre. We do not do a lot of Broadway and typical cabaret in this show. It is a tribute to the music that shaped me so it is Diva Anthems from Disco to Pop and R&B to Country. I am super excited to have an LGBTQ+ Country Medley because there are amazing artists that are HUGE in queer culture that are often not given their due. Queer Country lives outside of Flaming Saddles on June 14th for sure. There is something for everyone and it is music you will definitely sing along to!
What message do you hope to convey through his Pride Playlist performance?
As an out entertainer, educator, and talk show host, I feel so strongly that when you know someone and love someone, you cannot hate them. I hope that by sharing my truth, my partner, my journey will make someone feel seen and feel less alone. We all read on a daily basis the stories that still exist in this country where people are harmed, banned, and even worse right here in the US. We still have a ways to go to accept people for the beautiful people they are. I hope this evening of music brings people who are a part of the community with people who are allies and together we prove that we can truly love and accept all.
In what ways do you use music as a tool for advocacy and empowerment within the LGBTQ+ community?
I think music is a universal way we all share, communicate, and feel. Music truly saved my life growing up. If it was listening to Whitney or Streisand on repeat, or it was singing Manilow Karaoke tracks in my room to a hairbrush, I wanted to express myself and music gave me all the feels. It still does. When I sing "I Think He Knew" I get messages from many people who talk about their dad, their child, their story, because the music connects us. Music is a way to share our story without us preaching. It lets the art speak for itself. The role of the artist is to tell the story of the times and I hope that is what this show and my music will do.
What can attendees anticipate in terms of the overall ambiance and atmosphere at 54 Below during Robert Bannon's Pride Playlist performance?
The greatest compliment I get from people who come to a show is they say the energy is electric and it feels like a family reunion. People bring their parents, friends, and more to the shows because we try to give a full experience. Expect a comfortable chat in my living room, with drinks, laughs, and some really amazing music played by an incredible band. 54 Below is the most beautiful club in NYC, I mean it was the VIP room for Studio 54. If these walls could talk, they would have all the tea! So it is a sacred space and that permeates the air. It is my favorite show of the year for sure!