September 4, 2012 ─ Black & Blue has been evolving for 22 years, from an “intimate” event attended by 800 people to the 70,000-strong megaparty it’s become today. Evolution 2012 is a snapshot of what’s been and what’s to come, as the Black & Blue Festival continues its ever-evolving evolution. Markers for this year’s theme are inclusion, respect, open-mindedness, peace, equality, altruism and love!
It’s a week-long celebration with non-stop dancing and get-togethers in various venues in and outside the Montréal Gay Village, from the opening cocktail 737 feet above the city, to Mado’s famous drag show, to leather and military balls, to male strippers and culinary events along the way. This year there’s a new concert in the convention centre that’s free to all, called Black & Blue DE-LIGHT – “Alternative Talents,” with various performers from Montréal and abroad.
The Main Event takes place at the Palais des Congrès (convention centre), with star DJs David Morales, Tom Stephan, Stéphan Grondin, Paskal Daze, Addy, Gareth Emery, Sander Van Doorn, Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano, EDX, Raneem, Oren D, and Carl Müren & Paul Random.
The very beginnings of the Black & Blue evolution formed in 1991, when a group of friends threw a huge party for fun and the profit of AIDS groups. Before long, the BBCM Foundation evolved, and over time, the Black & Blue Festival became known around the globe as the ultimate dance party. Over the years, around $1.1 million has been raised for AIDS and LGBT community groups.
While Black & Blue is celebrating 22 years of Evolution, one thing has never changed: It’s always been the best!
