WEEKEND BEST BET: Harvey Milk Festival

This weekend kicks off the 1st annual Harvey Milk Festival to be held 1 to 10 p.m. Saturday, May 22, in the Historic Rosemary District of downtown Sarasota.

Aligned with ceremonies planned across the nation, the event’s aim is to raise awareness about Lesbian, Gay Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) rights and legislation on both state and federal levels, along with honoring the life work of Milk – an American politician who became the first openly gay man to be elected in a California public office as a member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors.

St. Petersburg City Council member Steve Kornell is slated as the keynote speaker. Live appearances include The Florida Studio Theatre’s improv troupe and Dr. Nick, who will be performing a kid-friendly puppet show on equal rights. Musical guests include MeteorEYES, This is An Adventure, Elysian Sex Drive, Christie Lenée, Andy Matchett and The Minks, Shock To the System, Jun Bustamante and DJ Sinna-G.

All proceeds from the event will benefit ALSO Out Youth of Sarasota.

For more information, visit www.harveymilkfestival.com.