Grammy Nominee Mary Lambert to Headline Indy Pride Event

Her message has grown into more than a simple hook and bridge on Macklemore and Ryan Lewis’ multi-platinum rap single.

One of the more powerful songs to progress and prosper in recent society is “Same Love,” a 2012 hip-hop sing-along heavily supporting same-sex marriage. The Grammy-nominated track was written by hip-hop superstars Macklemore and Ryan Lewis along with up-and-coming pop artist Mary Lambert. Each verse spit thought-provoking commentary intended to make generations young and old rethink their stances on gay rights. But perhaps the most memorable line came toward the end of Lambert’s hook. Her sincere tone quickly resonated with listeners as she candidly sang, “My love … she keeps me warm.”

“She keeps me warm” fast became a culturally iconic phrase catalyzing a host of hashtags still used daily, mostly on Twitter and Vine. Five months after “Same Love” and its popular line were released, Lambert penned her own song called “She Keeps Me Warm,” from her 2013 EP Welcome To the Age of My Body. The release proved that she and her plaintive phrase were here to stay.

With the success of “Same Love,” Lambert has taken her message to The Ellen DeGeneres Show, MTV’s Video Music Awards, and The Grammys. And on June 12, she’ll be headlining Girl Pride, an event that serves as part of the weeklong Circle City IN Pride Festival in downtown Indianapolis. Talbott Street Nightclub will host the show, and attendees will be in for an emotional night.

It’s hard to find honesty in the music industry, which tends to follow specific marketing agendas. Lambert’s essence is already paying off, as she’s openly gay and signed to a major label that will release her first full-length album this spring. She breaks the rules of musical commerce willingly, liberating herself through her craft. The Girl Pride appearance will showcase her ability to elaborate freely on topics ranging from her love life to a sexually abusive past.

Electro-beat–laden music act Luciana (the artist Luciana Caporaso) will also appear at the festival event. Tickets will go fast, as last year’s event sold out.

Girl Pride: June 12; “Girl Talk” starts at 7 p.m. 2145 N. Talbott St., 317-931-1343, girlpride2014.bpt and talbottstreet.com