The stars are aligning to make 2024’s Palm Beach Pride the most successful Palm Beach Pride in the county’s history. Taking place on March 23 & 24, from 12pm-6pm at Bryant Park in Lake Worth Beach, FL, the annual event hosted by Compass LGBTQ+ Community Center will offer vendors from all over the country, fun activities and all-star entertainment headlined by Brooke Eden.
The family and pet-friendly festival features an impressive cast of entertainers who have all been born, raised or have lived in Palm Beach County and South Florida. Sunday’s headliner and rising country music star is Brooke Eden; Brooke has been nominated for both the CMT and GLAAD Media Awards in the category of “Outstanding Breakout Artist.”
It was a pleasure to sit down with Brook for this exclusive Hotspots interview:
At what age did you begin performing?
I started performing when I was 5 years old. I was just singing around the house and my dad who was/is a drummer in a local country band saw I could sing, and he asked me to come and play with the band and I jumped at that opportunity.
What was your first professional gig and how much did you get paid?
It was at the amphitheater here in West Palm by the South Florida Fair grounds. I was 12 and I got to open for Alan Jackson.
When did you know performing would be your career?
I feel like I have always known it, even when I was in school. I also knew that as soon as I could move to Nashville I would, and I did.
You are a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, how hard was it to come out being a Country star?
When I first met my now wife, we were blatantly told that if I wanted to keep my career in country music we would have to keep our relationship a secret. It was very taxing emotionally and physically. The process of coming out was way less scary than the 5 years of being in the closet. Thankfully, I was met with so much love and acceptance.
How did you meet your wife Hilary, and was it love at first sight?
We met on my first day on a radio tour as it was her job to take me around to meet country radio. We didn’t know each other at all, and I remember her walking on the bus, and I felt an overwhelming feeling of peace. By the end of the first day, I knew there was something different about her. We had this strong connection and bond immediately, and I knew I could trust it. I knew by day 3 I was in love with her. Two weeks after we met, we knew we wanted to spend the rest of our lives together and we never looked back. That was 8 years ago.
Your wedding was officiated by Trisha Yearwood. How amazing was that?
It was so crazy to think about as I remember singing “She’s in Love with a Boy” when I was 5 years old. Fast forward 25 years later and she is officiating our wedding. She is such an ally and a lover of love. It was so cool that she was willing to make our special day even more special.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Loyal, driven, and silly.
What do you do for fun?
We love to travel. We did Spain and Portugal last year. We love to see new cultures, taste new food, and meet new people.
What should we expect from your performance at Palm Beach Pride?
I will have my whole band from Nashville with me, and almost every song I am performing is out in the world so everyone will be able to sing along. I will also be debuting a brand new song that I am very excited about.
Are you excited to be back in Palm beach where you grew up?
OH MY GOSH, of course, it’s always a treat to come back to my hometown. I love to play shows for the people that pushed me and believed in me.
What does the future hold for you?
This year we will have a lot more music coming out. More music, more life and more fun. My goal is to create a safe space for queer people in country music.
For more information on Brooke, check out her website at: Brookeeden.com.
Palm Beach Pride welcomes back local celebrities including Daniel Franzese (Mean Girls, Looking), the Synergy Twins, The First Lady of the Palm Beaches Melissa St. John, and the Queen of the Palm Beaches Velvet Lenore.
We spoke to Erika Constantine, Vice President of Marketing for Discover The Palm Beaches, and she said: “Palm Beach Pride showcases our destination as a welcoming place for all, and has a positive impact on our residents, businesses and tourism industry. The Palm Beaches are built on a spirit of genuine hospitality as a way of life, and vibrant events such as Pride help to foster that spirit.”
In addition to their fabulous entertainment, festival attendees can expect expanded activities, shopping, great food, drinks and an opportunity to connect with supportive businesses and social service/advocacy organizations from all over Florida. This year’s theme, “Painting Our Future,” includes several opportunities for guests to create their own art and share the joy of the weekend with friends and family.
The Palm Beach Pride Parade takes place March 24, at 11am on Lake Avenue in Downtown Lake Worth Beach and will be led by members of the Compass Youth Program and the 2024 Grand Marshal, Chris Rhoades.
“Pride grand marshals play a crucial role in promoting equality, understanding, and acceptance; Chris Rhoades embodies that spirit in his everyday life and throughout the entire year,” says Julie Seaver, Compass’ CEO. “Whether it’s marching to Tallahassee, or organizing new talent in the drag community, Chris’ efforts have helped shape more inclusive spaces for LGBTQ+ people to socialize and connect with others all over South Florida and we are so proud to have him leading this year’s parade.”
Palm Beach Pride tickets are $10 presale or $12 at the gate. Anyone under 18 years old is admitted for free. Proceeds from the festival go directly back into the community through the services and support offered by Compass LGBTQ+ Community Center.
Stage schedules, tickets and important information are provided on the website at www.CompassLGBTQ.com/
