Cleveland Pagan Pride Entertainment
Cleveland Pagan Pride, presented by Crossroad Universal Inc., are thankful for our event entertainers that have been accepted to participate in our 2025 event. We look forward to sharing our event entertainment with you during the event!
CLEVELAND PAGAN PRIDE ENTERTAINMENT SCHEDULE:
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Note: Times may vary based on weather conditions or other unforeseen delays.
Friday, August 15, 2025
5:30 Opening Drum Circle with Primal Rhythm
7:00 Broom Dance with Crooked River Crones Twisted Witches
Saturday, August 16, 2025
12:00 Opening Ceremony by Oberon Zell
12:30 Noon
1:30 Tribe Ostara Tribal Dance
2:30 Brian Henke
4:00 Cowboy Princess Brigade
5:30 Primal Rhythm
6:30 Raffle
7:00 Dust Bowl Faeries
8:30 Frenchy and the Punk
Sunday, August 17, 2025
12:00 Opening Ceremony with Oberon Zell
12:30 Primal Rhythm Drum Circle
1:30 Dust Bowl Faeries
2:30 Shuvani Dance
3:00 Crooked River Crones Crowning of the Crones
3:30 Frenchy and the Punk
4:30 Raffle
5:00 Cowboy Princess Brigade
6:00 Farewell Closing by Oberon Zell
MEET THE GUESTS​
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Frenchy and the Punk | Saturday, August 16 at 8:30 PM
Sunday, August 17 at 3:30 PM
Frenchy and the Punk, the NY-based two-person powerhouse of sound, create their own distinct blend of post-punk, with elements of darkwave and goth rock with electro-acoustic hybrid guitars, loop pedals, fiery live acoustic and electronic percussion and synths. Performing in the alternative underground scene since 2005, they formed in New York City as more of a dark cabaret / folk punk act. After years of touring and fine tuning their sound, it has evolved into a distinctly authentic amalgamation of their divergent influences. Drawing inspiration from post-punk legends like The Cure, the upbeat energy and percussive textures of Adam and the Ants, the bewitching mystique of Siouxsie and the Banshees, and the quirky charm of The B-52's, Frenchy and the Punk have crafted a sound that is both nostalgic and refreshing delivered in an unorthodox way. Their relentless touring, which has amounted to nearly 1500 shows, has brought them around the US, Canada, Europe and West Africa.
Dust Bowl Faeries | Saturday, August 16 at 7:00 PM
Sunday August 17 at 1:30 PM
Dust Bowl Faeries perform a faerie-tale of dark cabaret and gothic polka music, infused with a dose of witchcraft and a dusting of woodland magic. The accordion driven freak-folk ensemble hails from the New York Hudson Valley and draws inspiration from circus songs, murder ballads and Eastern European folk music. Singing saw, piano accordion, bass, percussion and acoustic guitar combine to create the Dust Bowl Faeries otherworldly sound.
Dust Bowl Faeries was founded by Ryder Cooley (faerie queen) and the band's taxidermy spirit animal Hazel the Ram. Ryder and Hazel are joined by Jon B Woodin (rocket faerie), Andrew Stein (time faerie) and Jude Roberts (hobbit faerie) for this special Pagan Pride performance.
The ensemble has toured internationally and has released several recordings including Magic & Mayhem (2024) featuring Melora Creager of Rasputina on cello, Carnival Dust (2023) featuring harpist Mikaela Davis and a debut album featuring Tommy Stinson of The Replacements/Guns N' Roses
Primal Rhythm | Friday, August 15 at 5:30 PM Drum Circle
Saturday, August 16 at 5:30 PM
Sunday August 17 at 12:30 PM Drum Circle in front of main stage
Primal Rhythm is an all-female drum ensemble that has been rocking the festival circuit and the local scene in Cleveland, Ohio since 2010. Sue Balaschak brought the band to life out of a desire to bring her studio albums to the stage and share the power of drumming in a live setting. In addition to Sue Balaschak on Dun Duns and Djembe, the band features Dawn Fritz Heartsong on djembe and percussion, and Michelle Clark holding the bottom on Duns. When we drum, we connect our mind, body, and spirit to all living things. The Primal Rhythm Ensemble brings an amazing group of women to the stage, engaging the audience in the wave of Elemental Earth Energy created by the power of live drumming. Lay your hands on the altar of rhythm, the altar of Life.
Learn More About Primal Rhythm at www.primalrhythm.net
Noon | Saturday, August 16 at 12:30 PM
Noon AKA Erin Kapferer, is a Cleveland born singer songwriter. She is known for playing the keys and translating her feelings and experiences into truthful melodies. Her vocals captivate and sync into the soul’s channel, drawing it to the present moment. Noon’s lyrics reflect her unique outlook on life and innate ability to change words into transformative experiences. She performs both solo and with additional talent from around the area, allowing her sound to expand with additional instrumentation. Her albums “9 Years” and “Elin” are available on all major streaming services, and she has begun work on another release. Erin is also an Intuitive Medium, and can be contacted for readings through various social media platforms.
Tribe Ostara Tribal Belly Dance | Saturday August 16 at 1:30 pm
Tribe Ostara Tribal Belly Dance has been entertaining Cleveland festival audiences since 2016. A fierce and fabulous improvisational sword, skirt, and zill performance by Ostara Dance is characterized by beautiful and colorful, ethnic clothing and movements inspired by folkloric dances of the Middle East, North Africa, Spain and India.
Brian Henke | Saturday August 16 at 2:30 pm
Brian Henke tells stories, and composes and performs his music like a painter putting images on canvas, a kind of sonic shaman, drawing his inspiration from life and the natural world around him. His unique guitar style has been called everything from Folk to New Age to neo Classical to Pastoral or as Brian like to call it "A big stewpot of everything stirred up simmered and served to taste". His music appeals to everyone who likes their music lyrical, thought provoking and performed with virtuosity. Through it all is an undercurrent of spirituality and mysticism that Brian says is very much a part of the creative process. With numerous Albums released, his music is available on streaming services,, and he has received radio airplay all over the world.
Cowboy Princess Brigade | Saturday, Aug. 16 at 4:00 PM
Sunday August 17 at 5:00PM
Glitternative, “glit·ter·na·tive” dynamic group @thecowboyprincessbrigade brings a brassy, polished touch to early 60’s soul and Americana roots music. With intimate lyricism, sultry, high energy vocals, and tasty improvisational jams; each song brims with hooks and flow. Costumes, horns, strings, double bass, antics, and supreme creative collaboration make this titillating live show sure to bring out your inner cowboy princess. *costumes always encouraged*
Shuvani Dance Company | Sunday, August 17 at 2:30 PM
Shuvani Dance Company has been performing in Northeast Ohio since 2001. They have showcased various styles of Middle Eastern Dance including Tribal, Cabaret, Rom, and Fusion. The troupe utilizes facets of many other dance styles in their choreography including jazz, modern, ballroom, and flamenco creating an innovative and original repertoire within which they can explore Middle Eastern Bellydance.
Frank Prpic | Entertainment Coordinator, Main Stage
​Frank has been involved with Cleveland Pagan Pride for many years. As an avid musician, he has appeared with various acts on the stage, as well as off the stage as the main stage coordinator, where he assists in the booking and scheduling of acts as well as stage manager and emcee for the event. His company, Center for Rock Research, provides PA and sound production services for the event. He loves providing a comfortable performance environment for the talent as well as stellar sound for the event. Working with this incredible group at CPP is always a highlight of his year.