Pride in the Park 2023 - Circuit Mom, Zedd, Zara Larsson, Years & Years & More

Pride in the Park - Fiza Javid (c) 2023

Angelica Grace - Fiza Javid (c) 2023

Writing and Editing by Fiza Javid
Photography by Fiza Javid & Tony P (Insta @ tonypphotos)

Friday June 23rd - Sat June 24th
Grant Park - Chicago

Zedd. Zara. Practice Candy. Drama. Drag. So much electricity in this incredible atmosphere. This will overall consolidate the two days into the single most spectacular success of a celebration this was. 

Friday kicked off the start of this year's largest midwest pride festival at Pride in the Park 2023. The weather was absolute perfection and the sense to walk into Grant Park with pride in a post Roe v. Wade world became all the more necessary.

As sections of the country bans books, gets rid of gender affirming healthcare, even fathoms a "Don't Say Gay" bill, among other restrictions being placed on life saving reproductive healthcare, we are reminded of why its important to not only be proud, but to be loud about it.

Pride has never just been about rainbows and glitter. Pride, while it demands attention is also a demand for acceptance. Circuit Mom stated it perfectly when she said "we need our allies more than ever, because the news is getting a little scary!"

Then there were the superstars of the festival. All the incredible drag performers: Sheeza Woman, Utica Queen, Kenya J Sanchez, Boy J, Angelíca Grace, Miss Toto on the Red Bull turntable, Platinum Carrington, XO Carrington, Enza, Irregular Girl and all the incredible backup dancers who brought all the drama with their phenomenal energy. There was a sense of fearlessness electrifying the audience with all their gorgeous looks and the attitudes to match. 

Zara Larsson was a genuine A-list popstar who made dancing and singing look entirely effortless. She is a natural. She wow'd the crowd with "Ruin My Life" and "Can't Tame Her," winding through each rhythm and posing for the camera with each movement. Through the DJs playing Kylie Minogue, Britney Spears and Charli XCX, it was fitting to have Zara follow the vibe created by these popstars in the mix of the music circulating the entire festival. 

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Utica Queen - Tony P (c) 2023

Zara Larsson - Tony P (c) 2023

Zedd - Tony P (c) 2023

Zedd - Tony P (c) 2023

Lila Star Escada - Tony P (c) 2023

It would be impossible to perfectly highlight each drag performer in this article, however, I need to shine a 10/10 sign to Utica Queen, Angelíca Grace and the rest of the above mentioned performers for their level of dedication. Utica was adorned in jewels as she came out in a maleficent inspired gem head piece with a backdrop screen with occasional fire displays. This definitely was a playful way to satirize the ways in which Sam Smith and Lil Nas X have both been likened to the devil for simply expressing themselves openly and beautifully. To wear devil horns with gems is definitely a way of saying "look you can either be scared of me or you can see that the fear is silly. I am beautiful and WORTHY of acceptance." Utica Queen managed to say all that with her performance, and it can be equally equated to Angelica.

The level of power exhibited through Angelica's performance was unbeatable. With every split and facial expression, she had an in-your-face punch with every feminine expression. It was so powerful to watch and scream along in support for. 

​The music carried through with Zedd, who always managed to sample and references to effortlessly. From his Squid Game backdrop and his infectious smile over the audience as he performed "Stay the Night," "Clarity," and "Break Free," he truly became the reason this crowd was able to let loose. As he performed, many fans created their own light shows while one man walked around with a gigantic "You Are Beautiful" pride flag that flew over a crowd like the genuine reminder it was.

Lila Star Escada was truly epic by all degrees. She came out with a school teacher outfit telling a story to the "children" of the audience, as we were guided by the track of her reading a story to the class. This outfit was slowly stripped away as her hair unraveled into a rope and a star adorned body suit. I must note, the "Lil Kim" inspired photoshoot that was wheeled in with her face was iconic. She also showcased true theatrics and it was hands down one of the major highlights of day two. 

Years & Years truly showcased his truly vocal abilities. Along with his backup singers, while their dance moves were subtle, it was obvious it is due to their abilities to carry a finely trained voice without any sense of auto tuning whatsoever. His highlights included "Muscle" and "Sanctify" which carried so much weight and testament to his ability. It was nice to look over to see tears in the eyes of the audience members. 

Finally, the one and only Saweetie gave a short and adrenaline filled moment on stage. Perhaps it felt short as it was so exciting. From "Tap In" to "Best Friend" and "My Type" there was half a crowd screaming along to the point of nearly fainting (I'm serious, there were lots of people in deep shock), and the other half in a twerking frenzy. So much jiggle, so little time, as the pyrotechnics shined over her body suit adorned with crystal beads. From the very beginning to the end of that set, she and her backup dancers gave non stop energy and delivered the groundbreaking finale this festival deserved for 2023. 

Overall, it was one to truly remember and be loud and proud of. Excited to carry on this pride into Sunday's parade. Until next year!

Fiza Javid - JBTV Music Television

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Pride in the Park, JBTV Music Television, Zara Larsson, Circuit Mom, Zedd, Saweetie, Chicago, Live Music, Fiza Javid, Tony P