The LGBT community is suffering a tough loss today with the passing of Chris Harris after a long and heart-fought battle with cancer. He was 51 years old.
Chris was not only a premier LGBTQ event promoter in New England (and beyond) but a “genuine light in the world,” as noted by one of many friends’ posting on Chris’s Facebook page today.
As Boston Spirit put it in our 2010 profile on him, “Anyone who has ever been to a major dance night or circuit party in New England has been influenced by the work of Chris Harris—nightclub impresario, producer, and razor sharp businessman.”
As former “In Newsweekly” publisher Christopher Robinson posted on Facebook today:
“When you saw the words Chris Harris presents you knew you were about to experience a fun night out. Chris and his team were instrumental in putting Providence and Boston nightlife on the map with themed parties, big name entertainers and world class dj’s. I will be forever grateful for his support of my newspaper and his contributions to Rhode Island Pride and Boston Pride.”
As former “In Newsweekly” sales manager Bill Berggren recalled:
“My best memory of Chris was his ability to always keep you guessing with what was up his sleeve, his huge EGO, yes, where the club name came from in Providence was all about making people smile and be welcomed and happy at every event he did. You could stand back and watch his smile and he watched everyone enjoy whatever event he produced. Chris will be missed but never forgotten, as his legacy lives on.”
And the tributes keep coming in.
The Board of Boston Pride is recognizing Chris’s contribution to Boston Pride and the LGBT community by voting to name Chris Harris as an Honorary Parade Marshal for the upcoming Boston Pride Parade on Saturday, June 8.
In a press release today, Boston Pride added:
Chris loved the community and always wanted to help where he could. His support over the years of both Boston Pride and Rhode Island Pride was unwavering. Chris helped Boston Pride secure entertainment for events as well as support volunteers with free passes to his club nights for working at Pride events. When Boston Pride hosted its first international Pride conference in 2012, Chris hosted all the delegates at his venues and treating each one as a VIP. To this day, Interpride members talk fondly about the warm welcome they received in Boston.
Boston Spirit adds our condolences to Chris’s family, friends and everyone who benefited from his commitment and dedication to our community and felt his light shine on.
