Cyndi Lauper is showing a rainbow of "true colors" on Friday, June 12, at Milwaukee's PrideFest. This girl is still having fun and spoke one to Nunn about her recent projects.
Windy City Times: Hi, Cyndi. I met you at a signing at Tower Records years ago. You were in a rush to open for Cher. What a great live show you put on that night; you had such a connection with the audience. Now we get to see you live again at Milwaukee PrideFest! Are you still able to walk out into the audience without getting mobbed?
Cyndi Lauper: I love going into the audience. It's sharing a moment together. You can't get more connected then holding hands and singing and sharing music.
WCT: You looked great singing at the American Idol finale. How was that experience?
CL: I had a blast with Alison [ Iraheta ] . She has such a great voice and I think we are going to see big things from her in the future. The Idol system is very interesting to me. Times have changed. When I first started out there was a real viable club scene; [ it was ] hard to develop a live audience now the traditional way. And while the [ Internet ] age makes getting music to people easier, getting gigs seems harder. Idol is like music boot camp. They cram a lot of live experience into one season.
WCT: The 30 Rock episode with you spoofing "We are the World" was hilarious. How did you get involved with the project?
CL: It was a blast. The show's producers invited me. I love the show so I was thrilled to be asked.
WCT: Bring Ya to the Brink is a great album. What tracks are you playing at PrideFest?
CL: A girl's gotta have some secrets. Come on down and you'll find out. It is going to be once kick-ass party.
WCT: Any plans to release "Rain On Me?" It sounds like classic Cyndi to me.
CL: Absolutely.
WCT: I just interviewed Richard Morel, who co-produced and co-wrote several tracks on the album Bring Ya to the Brink. He said you are working on more tracks with him. What new things can we expect?
CL: I love working with Rich. He is a talented and we work very easily together. We hope to be getting together soon to start work on new tracks.
WCT: Why do you think you have such a connection with the gay community?
CL: I've always had a personal connection with the community even before my music career took off. I'm a bit of a misfit and an outsider in my younger days.
WCT: Is your tour "Girls Night Out" with Rosie O'Donnell coming to Chicago?
CL: Not on this run.
WCT: Well, then audiences from all over better make that trip to PrideFest!
For more information and to purchase tickets visit www.pridefest.com .