The Second City Outlaws are ready for the annual Chicago Pride Parade on Sunday, June 29, set to deliver the best in country dancing, fun and entertainment throughout two-mile parade route that steps off from West Sheridan and Broadway in the Northalsted neighborhood, starting at 11 a.m.

The parade theme this year is “United in Pride.”

“We love to involve audience participation by getting the crowds up on their feet to enjoy some fun and easy line dance lessons before we perform. In our performances, we are proud to represent the best of country music old and new. We have a proud commitment to be open and inclusive to all,” said Ricky Martel of the Second City Outlaws that was founded in 2017 after the Windy City Cowboys disbanding in 2016.

“We are honored and humbled to be included in any entertainment line-up. The generous sponsorships we have received over the years from Alcala’s Western Wear, the Chicago Cubs, the League of Chicago Theaters, The Chicago Portagers, Out In the Park, and our Chicago Pride Parade sponsor for the past three years, Macy’s, all feel like amazing accolades.

“The Chicago Pride Parade is an amazing opportunity to present ourselves to a large audience. If we can reach and inspire new and different people with our fun and entertainment, then we have achieved one of our goals.”

Pride Month is the prime opportunity to have representation and visibility, with emotions spanning from anticipation to excitement to enthusiasm,” he said.

The Outlaws will bring a medley to the late-June parade of six songs and six different styles of dance all moving down the parade route to entertain the crowds. There are 13 performing members this year, plus a large group of volunteers walking with them. “We go from a midnight waltz to a bouncy 1960s-inspired number. From there we’ll deliver some fabulous Cowboy Boogie to some TikTok-inspired dance trends.”

Martel said the Outlaws will be dancing to the best country music, old and new, starting with Olivia Newton-John and the reigning ACM Entertainer of the Year, Lainey Wilson. The Outlaws also will feature the sounds of Adam Mac, Mickey Guyton and Chris Housman, among others. “We strive to showcase the diversity of the country music genre, showcasing the LGBTQ artists as well as the artists of color.”

Joining the Second City Outlaws is free. “There is no cost-prohibitive membership fee to be part of the Second City Outlaws,” Martel said. “We are all about diversity, equity and inclusion. Our family covers the entire LGBTQIA spectrum of community members and allies of every age, race and gender identity. 

“It’s our specialty to deliver a new routine every year that covers a diverse array of different styles of dancing to the best of country music in a fast-paced medley that takes the audience on a fun and entertaining ride.”

Written by Ross Forman