Be Fabulous Music & Arts Pride Fest celebrates LGBTQ+ community

By Ian Swaby
| 1:40 p.m. May 12, 2025

David Curran and Shannon Fortner of MeteorEYES

Sarasota
Neighbors

Having attended the Be Fabulous Music & Arts Pride Fest for three years, Matthew Isoldi called this year's event the best experience yet.

On May 10, the festival made its return to Selby Five Points Park, while marking 15 years in the community.

Shannon Fortner, president and executive director of the Fabulous Arts Foundation, said the location means that "folks can... find a Pride event in Sarasota that's in the heart of downtown."

"I think it really unites our community in a different way, being here at Five Points, and it's one of my favorite places, and I know a lot of people were just so excited to hear that we have come back to Five Points," Fortner said. "We look forward to staying here."

Bringing together a lineup of musical groups including headliners Berra of Washington, D.C. and GeeXella of Atlanta, the event celebrated LGBTQ+ artists and voices. In addition to music, it also featured a vendor market.

Proceeds will support the foundation's LGBTQIA+ Center, which opened at the end of January and offers services that include mental health support, art classes and workshops.

Roberra Djalleta, who performs as "Berra," said it felt "really special" to be selected for the event as a headliner.

"I was like, 'This is so nice that someone understands it," said Djalleta, who is transgender. "I love pop music, and I write a lot of pop music, and so as a Black, Queer artist, it felt really good and affirming that people in the South, where I'm from, really liked it."

Robert Williams and his husband Eric Fernandez embraced the tropical environment.

Scott Ditto, his daughter Olivia Ditto, 5, and husband Jim Ditto, stop while Olivia blows bubbles.

Ariyana Enis and her friend Neela Roman cheer on the band Hovercar.

Christian Cruz, Joseph Urgo and Urgo's husband Matthew Isoldi enjoyed the event together.

Shannon Fortner, president and executive director of the Fabulous Arts Foundation, poses with headlining artist Berra (Roberra Djalleta) of Washington D.C.

Joshua Beadle, Julie Wells, Marina Linner, emcee Brianna Summers and Helen Salomon gather at the tent of stage sponsor Orenda Health and Wellness.

Sam North, an artist known as Sammy thrashLife, works on a painting.

Samantha Ponzillo fills the air with bubbles.

Mackenzie “MJ” Jianelli of Orenda Health and Wellness brings his new dog, Gunner, to greet emcee Brianna Summers.

Robert Tribluan of Sarasota talks with Hillary Vartas of Orlando.

David Curran of MeteorEYES gets the music equipment started.

Nikki Raven of Hovercar performs at the event.

Kirsten Clauser of Hovercar performs at the event.

Bailey Bee and her fiancee Chelsea Hansen hold an umbrella during a light rain.

author

Ian Swaby

Ian Swaby is the Sarasota neighbors writer for the Observer. Ian is a Florida State University graduate of Editing, Writing, and Media and previously worked in the publishing industry in the Cayman Islands.