Cyndi Lauper

Cyndi Lauper has played many roles during her 25 years in the spotlight. She's been the quirky music-video new-waver, Madonna's early rival, the girl who just wants to have fun, the undercover singer of the Pee-Wee's Playhouse theme song, and (most recently) a crooner of jazz standards and gorgeous, delicate originals. Through all of the years and all the hats she's worn, one priority has remained: Lauper has always been friend of the outcast, queer, misfit or oppressed. She's just finished headlining the True Colors tour (a highly successful venture to benefit the Human Rights Campaign that featured gay-friendly artists and comics), and this Independence Day Lauper is performing on the riverfront downtown. Expect crazy outfits, prideful parading and the kind of magic that can only be achieved by a true diva.