Live on our PrideFest Stage!
Don’t forget to bring a blanket or chair to enjoy the performances.
DJ
DJ Dean Seda
DJ Dean Seda is a local, Open Format DJ that can take any event to another level with his diverse knowledge of music. He has performed at a variety of events along the East Coast for 5 years. He engages with the audience and takes them on a musical journey throughout any event. Dean is also a certified Zumba instructor, bringing high-energy and fun dance workouts to the community. He is very excited to be part of the Rutherford Pride Festival and can't wait to enjoy the day with everyone!
Host
Kimmy Sumony
The bodacious babe, known as Kimmy Sumony, is a drag performer and female illusionist born and raised in Jersey City! This Jersey girl has been turning looks and turning heads going on 7 years. In that amount of time, she’s been able to build a name and reputation for herself and host several of her own shows throughout the East Coast. The market might be crashing but she’s gonna make you feel rich 🤑
Featured Artists
Lea
Lea Robinson is a rising R&B powerhouse bringing soulful roots and bold, modern energy to every stage she touches. Originally from Englewood, New Jersey and now based in Los Angeles, she carries a rich musical legacy as the granddaughter of legendary producer Sylvia Robinson—while confidently carving out a sound and identity all her own.
Blending classic R&B with fresh, contemporary flair, Robinson’s music is all about confidence, freedom, and self-expression. Her standout single Fantasy Island ushers in a vibrant, feel-good era—pairing smooth vocals with an unapologetically queer energy that’s impossible not to vibe with.
After being named TikTok’s 2025 Best Female R&B Artist of the Year, Robinson’s star is only getting brighter. Now returning for her second year as headliner at Rutherford PrideFest, she’s ready to light up the stage once again—bringing joy, authenticity, and undeniable vibes to the celebration.
Jayson is a talented recording artist and live performer who made his debut in 2018 with his first studio single, "Worst Way." Jayson is currently recording in his first studio EP and releasing new music.
Jayson is a lead male vocalist for the Boston Party Machine, an impressive wedding band out of Massachusetts. Being surrounded by talented musical friends, he is constantly working on his craft and performing at venues ranging from New Jersey to Massachusetts.
His most recent single titled "More" is out now and streaming on all platforms. Connect with Jayson on all social media platforms!
Jake Ortiz
Jake Ortiz is a 24 year old pop artist blending late night energy with raw emotion, creating a sound that lives between seductive and vulnerable. Inspired by artists like Omar Apollo and Tate McRae, his music explores themes of desire, control, and connection with a modern, edgy twist.
Based in New Jersey, Jake has built a strong reputation as a captivating live performer. His recent highlights include a televised performance and upcoming highlights including performing at MusikFest 2026 in Bethlehem, PA, along with prides festivals in Rutherford and New Hope.
With a magnetic stage presence and a distinct artistic identity, Jake delivers performances that pull audiences in and leave a lasting impression.
Makeout Palace
Makeout Palace is a Boston based rock quartet built on emotional honesty, dynamic songwriting, and the enduring joy of playing music with close friends. Their sound draws from a variety of influences from the melodic sensibility of The Beatles to the raw emotion of Black Country, New Road, balancing heartfelt, sad, and angry moments with an underlying sense of fun and camaraderie
Led by Eva Levin (lead vocals, bass), an incredible lyricist whose writing anchors the band’s emotional core, Makeout Palace has become known as a great live act with a large and dedicated Boston fanbase. The band is rounded out by Colin Ratcliff (guitar, backing vocals), Aidan Shapero (drums), and Riley LePere (tenor saxophone), whose collective chemistry brings urgency and warmth to both their recordings and performances.
Their newest single, “After Hours,” marks the lead up to their forthcoming third album, Good Kissing Music.
Yannie
Yannie is a dynamic pop/R&B artist and multi-instrumentalist whose sound blends soulful vocals with vibrant Caribbean and dancehall influences. Born in the Bronx, raised in New Jersey, and now based in Brooklyn, she draws from her Belizean and Italian roots to create music that’s as culturally rich as it is emotionally powerful.
A classically trained singer and musician first, Yannie’s artistry is grounded in her deep connection to instruments—piano being her first love—along with guitar, bass, ukulele, violin, and more. Her genre-bending sound reflects a wide range of influences, from Bob Marley and Aretha Franklin to The Rolling Stones and Lady Gaga, resulting in a style that’s both timeless and refreshingly original.
Before stepping fully into her music career, Yannie built a foundation in performance through film, television, and musical theater, including an Off-Broadway debut in The Office! A Musical Parody. Since 2022, she has been steadily releasing music that celebrates authenticity, resilience, and creative freedom.
With powerful vocals, fearless storytelling, and an undeniable stage presence, Yannie is an artist on the rise—bringing passion, culture, and connection to every performance.