In conjunction with this commemorative Pride issue, the San Francisco Bay Times Pride Parade 2023 contingent will highlight 50 years of Women’s Music—music by, for, and about women. The genre’s roots go back far longer than a half-century, but are largely associated with the artists and labels in the 1970s that fostered a lesbian-supportive musical movement. Many of these artists will be featured in this year’s Bay Times contingent.
Internationally acclaimed singer-songwriter, actress, teacher, and activist Holly Near will be among those participating. In 1972, she founded the independent record label Redwood Records to produce and promote music by “politically conscious artists from around the world.” She was one of the first women to found an independent record company. Her artistry and activism in the years that followed have earned her numerous honors including from the American Civil Liberties Union, the National Organization for Women, Ms. Magazine (Woman of the Year), the Legends of Women’s Music Award, and numerous others.
A year after Redwood Records was founded, ten women—including artists Cris Williamson and Meg Christian, as well as entrepreneur Judy Dlugacz—launched Olivia Records in 1973. During its twenty years of operation, Olivia Records sold more than one million records and produced over forty albums. Olivia Travel today, under President and Founder Dlugacz, Co-Founder Rachel Wahba, and Vice President, Travel & Business Operations Tisha Floratos, keeps the music flowing with its renowned entertainment. From fresh new talent like LP and Be Steadwell to legendary performers like Bonnie Raitt, Patti LaBelle, Sarah McLachlan, and Heart, Olivia Travel provides an unprecedented variety of women-focused talent. Floratos will be in the Bay Times contingent along with her wife, DJ Rockaway (Tina Silano), who is Olivia’s Digital Content Creator. DJ Rockaway will be spinning tunes aboard one of the Bay Times open-top contingent buses.
During the Parade, Olivia’s DJ Rockaway (Tina Salano, who is married to Floratos), will be spinning tunes as the San Francisco Bay Times contingent’s official DJ. Silano is Olivia’s Digital Content Creator and resident DJ for the monthly Divas & Drinks event held at The Academy SF in
the Castro.
The following Women’s Music artists and allies will also be in the Bay Times contingent:
Look them up if you are not already familiar with their work! It would take volumes to do justice to their respective careers, which collectively include multiple Grammy Awards, groundbreaking firsts, and much more. Listen for them during the SF Pride Parade, as DJ Rockaway is bringing her mic for impromptu singalongs and interactions with paradegoers.
The Bay Times contingent would not be complete without Sister Dana Van Iquity blowing kisses and photographer Rink capturing memorable moments, as he has for every San Francisco Pride Parade and even prior related events such as 1970’s Gay Liberation March. The Bay Times publishers, many other columnists, several advertisers, and supporters will also be in the 2023 contingent.
The San Francisco Bay Times extends special thanks to:
The Bay Times also gives thanks to this year’s contingent sponsors, many of which have also supported our past SF Pride Parade contingents:
Join us on Sunday, June 25! If you would like to be in this history-making SF Pride Parade contingent, please contact publisher@sfbaytimes.com
Published on June 22, 2023
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