UNION MARKET: Big Freedia to Headline DC’s LGBTQ Festival Spotlighting Artists of Color September 9 at Dock 5

The Queen Diva, Big Freedia, returns to DC on September 9 to headline Honey Groove’s Queer Music + Art Festival at Dock 5. Now in its third year, Honey Groove features a line-up of 9 performances, 5 DJ’s, 5 visual artists live painting, and a curated collection of local vendors selling their creations onsite.

“This year’s festival will be our biggest production to date, and it’s one of the most important years because of our country’s current cultural climate. Our community needs safe spaces to celebrate and take care of ourselves, recharge, and experience joy. We’re excited to cultivate a queer affirming space as we continue to highlight some of the best LGBTQ artists of color in the DMV and beyond,” says Honey Groove founder Kyrisha Deschamps.

Performing artists for this year’s festival in addition to Big Freedia include:
● Be Steadwell – Strathmore artist-in-residence, DCCAH grantee, and international performer
● BOOMscat – soulful duo and SXSW regulars
● Carolyn Malachi – Grammy nominated and internationally recognized ally
● Durand Bernarr – currently on tour with Erykah Badu
● The CooLots – DC’s rock and soul group bringing high energy
● Danni Cassette – returning headliner and dynamic performing artist
● Charity Blackwell – hilarious co-host and poet making a big name for herself in the DMV

This year’s festival will feature a strong Baltimore contingent with neo-soul performing artist Black Assets, all empress hip rock and soul group Eat the Cake Band, and festival co-host and organizer of Sunsets Baltimore Nia Johnson.

The DJ line-up includes DJ Mim, Lady Ryan, Baronhawk Poitier, Ayes Cold, and DJ Jai Syncere.

Live painting visual artists include Ginnie McKnight, E. Kairo Miles, Dawn Tree, LaToya Peoples, and Quamaine.

Join this amazing crew of creatives and special guest Rayceen Pendarvis on September 9 at Dock 5. To learn more about Honey Groove and to purchase tickets, visit honeygroovedc.com.

Founded in 2014 by the Cocoa Couch Collective, Honey Groove is a festival that celebrates LGBTQ

performing artists, visual artists, creatives and entrepreneurs of color.