MARQUETTE – From 7 10 tonight, the U.P. Rainbow Pride group is presenting a “Love Bites” concert featuring local bands Egg Parade, The Hard, Sycamore Smith and Knupdica at Love Marq Church at 728 W. Kaye Ave., in Marquette.

“There are a lot of amazing local bands that want to support U.P. Rainbow Pride and the LGBTQ+ community,” said Lex Exworthy, chair of the board of directors for U.P. Rainbow Pride. “This show happened to come together with punk and metal bands in February, so we thought it would be fun to do something for people who aren’t into all the Valentine’s Day events that happen this time of year, whether that’s because they are heartbroken, aromantic, asexual or just over the commercialization of love.”

The “Love Bites” fundraiser concert, then, is an option for those over the typical Valentine’s Day atmosphere.

“There are many reasons to attend: to rock out to local music, to spend time in community where you can feel safe being yourself, to support U.P. Rainbow Pride, or because you just want to avoid being surrounded by sappy couples this weekend,” said Exworthy.

Regardless of people’s reasons for attending, their donations will go towards U.P. Rainbow Pride’s work across the Upper Peninsula.

“Our main work is creating safer spaces for the LGBTQ+ community in the U.P.,” said Exworthy. “We are most known for U.P. PrideFest which brings together the largest gathering of LGBTQ+ people in the U.P. that is coming up on June 13. We also host social events, support groups, and book clubs throughout the year. Additionally, this year we will be bringing our Portable Pride Center to cities across the U.P. to connect LGBTQ+ families with resources and each other.”

More information can be found at uprainbowpride.org.

Annie Lippert can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 550. Her email address is alippert@miningjournal.net.