The Q Musicale 2024
The Q Musicale artist spotlights – Dinayro, Mickey Dykeman, Count Klassy, HERDD, Shadrack Jackman with Kylo, Liliggxz
Bryen Dunn
The Q Musicale was founded in 2024 by Antoine Elhashem and Sherry Sylvain, who are shaking things up with their curating of 2SLGBTQIA+ live entertainment festivals and initiatives. Armed with a mission to amplify the voices of queer artists, the determined duo’s goal is to provide space and exposure for both emerging and established 2SLGBTQ+ artists to share the immensity of their unrestricted talents and identities.
The inaugural festival takes place June 22, 2025 between 1pm and 11pm at Barbara Hall Park outside The 519, located at 519 Church Street, Toronto. Presented in partnership with the Church Wellesley Village and Pride Toronto.
Dinayro makes music as a hobby, most of my creativity is fueled from my passion for self expression. Music is my pathway to Mental Wellness.
What are you most excited about performing at The Q Musicale?
Its my first performanceeeeeee
What can attendees expect from your performance.
Honestly just a fun vibe and a moment just to enjoy ourselves.
Who has been an inspiration to your creativity either musically or personally?
Hey Old Skool so anywhere from The Beach Boys, Whitney Houston, to Notorious B.I.G. Personally, everyone who has ever said keep going.
Whats one thing people might not know about you?
That I was homeless 4 years ago and I rebuilt my life. I currently work Full Time as Toronto Community Crisis Worker
Are you currently working on any upcoming projects?
My E.P Shattered Dream$ will be released in 2025.
Catch Dinayro at The Q Musicale between 1:30pm and 2:10pm as part of the Emerging Artists Showcase on June 22, 2024 at Barbara Hall Park, 519 Church Street, Toronto.
Mickey Dykeman is a gay and trans comedian, writer and producer based in Toronto. They are rostered at the Comedy Lab, host for Black-sheep Entertainment, are the co-writer of the limited series ‘Douche Rehab’, and opened for Elvira Kurt at Paradise Theatre.
What are you most excited about hearing or seeing at The Q Musicale?
I’m excited to see Robert Ball! Love me some soul.
What can attendees expect from you as a host?
The human equivalent of a golden retriever, I am high energy and punch up!
Who has been an inspiration to your creativity, either musically or personally?
From a comedy stand point comedians such as Mae Martin and Pete Holmes have been significant influences on me.
What’s one thing people might not know about you?
I am a softball catcher.
Are you currently working on any new or upcoming projects?
I run the Saturday shows at the Comedy Lab. I am currently developing a TV show called Douche Rehab. A tale of four Queer Douches who find self improvement in unexpected ways.
Catch Mikey Dykeman at The Q Musicale at 3:45pm on June 22, 2024 at Barbara Hall Park, 519 Church Street, Toronto.
Count Klassy is a new age hip hop artist bringing glitter to the game. Mentored by Tone Loc and George Brown of Kool & The Gang, he writes for other artists in between his own projects.
What are you most excited about performing at The Q Musicale?
I’m excited to be represented amongst a diverse group of extremely talented queer musicians from all types of genres. This festival is a cool experience to see come together that really shows the testament and resiliency of the queer community being present and forefront.
What can attendees expect from your performance?
I’m a high vibe, high energy rapper, who doesn’t take the game too seriously. It’s all about feeling good while listening to the sounds.
Who has been an inspiration to your creativity, either musically or personally?
Definitely the rappers of the 90s, namely Tone Loc, Maestro Fresh Wes, Choclair, as well as modern influencers like Lil Wayne and Nicki Minaj.
What’s one thing people might not know about you?
Every time I perform on stage I have major stage fright. Once I scan the crowd, it goes away, and then I just have a blast!
Are you currently working on any new or upcoming projects?
Yes, my second album, an upcoming benefit concert, and a super secret collaboration. I’m excited for the future!
Catch Count Klassy at The Q Musicale at 7:20pm on June 22, 2024 at Barbara Hall Park, 519 Church Street, Toronto.
HERDD was born in Montreal, raised in London (UK), and is currently living in Ontario, an artist with a truly unique lens. Ever since his debut release in 2019, HERDD has been serving up eclectic electro-pop vibes that Billboard lovingly likened to ‘early Gaga with shades of Daft Punk’.
What are you most excited about performing at Q Musicale?
The most exciting thing about playing at Q Musicale is that it’s my first time performing at a Pride Month event! I’ve been dreaming of playing a Pride related show for a really long time and it feels amazing that it’s finally lined up!
What can attendees expect from your performance?
At its core, HERDD is all about vulnerability and openness. I’m looking forward to telling the story of how I’m learning to love myself for who I am through my music and my words. Oh and be ready to have a little dance!
Who has been an inspiration to your creativity, either musically or personally?
I’ve taken such broad inspiration musically that it’s hard to pin down a specific genre, let alone a specific person. But I do have to say that when I saw CeCe Peniston will be at Pride Toronto this year I just about burst into tears. ‘Finally’ may have come out when I was a baby, but that song was the soundtrack to my coming out in my late teens. What’s one thing people might not know about you?
There were two things I’ve loved since I was young, music and video games. I’ve met some absolutely incredible people playing games and even recently joined a 2SLGBTQIA+ clan in one of the games I’m playing. Music comes first, but in my downtime? Guess you can call me a ‘gaymer’.
Are you currently working on any new or upcoming projects?
I just released my debut album ‘Afterlife’ which documents my struggles and successes with my mental health on a ten year hiatus from music. Having just showcased at Canadian Music Week, this year is all about getting the album out there and telling the story of the project. I would be lying though if I didn’t admit that I have a lot of music in the works too – I’m just not supposed to talk about it yet! So let’s just pretend I didn’t say that.
Catch HERDD at The Q Musicale at 9:15pm on June 22, 2024 at Barbara Hall Park, 519 Church Street, Toronto.
Shadrack Jackman is a dynamic force in Barrie, Ontario’s vibrant arts scene, known for their captivating performances as a singer, songwriter, and drag queen. Shadrack’s artistic journey began at a young age, inspired by the city’s diverse cultural landscape and rich artistic heritage. Combining elements of soul, pop, and electronic music, Shadrack’s music is a reflection of their eclectic tastes and experiences. Their soulful vocals, paired with infectious beats and poignant lyrics, create a sonic experience that resonates deeply with audiences. As a drag queen, Shadrack brings an unparalleled sense of theatricality and glamour to the stage. With their striking costumes, impeccable makeup, and larger-than-life persona, they command attention and captivate audiences with their electrifying performances.
What are you most excited about performing at The Q Musicale?
I’m excited to be around community and share space with so many talented creatives.
What can attendees expect from your performance?
A special duet with my good friend.
Who has been an inspiration to your creativity, either musically or personally?
Right now my biggest inspiration has got to be Prince and Amy Winehouse. Endless inspiration. Really loving my Afrobeats and Jersey Club.
What’s one thing people might not know about you?
I’m an avid record collector
Are you currently working on any new or upcoming projects?
Working on my debut e.p
KYLO, hailing from Toronto, Ontario, is an electro-pop sensation known for her captivating and innovative sound. She masterfully blends catchy melodies with experimental elements, creating a unique musical experience that captivates audiences around the world.
What are you most excited about performing at Q Musicale?
I am super excited to perform at a pride event, as I never have before! Being an ally it is an honour to perform with my best friend and be a part of this.
What can attendees expect from your performance?
A fun duet and vibey time 🙂
Who has been an inspiration to your creativity, either musically or personally?
This year Chappell Roan has been a huge influence, I love her melodies and every song just hits.
What’s one thing people might not know about you?
I started off as a folk singer/songwriter!
Are you currently working on any new or upcoming projects?
Yes, currently working on a new album but will be taking my time with it, so no release date as of yet.
Catch Shadrack Jackman and Kylo at The Q Musicale at 3:45pm on June 22, 2024 at Barbara Hall Park, 519 Church Street, Toronto.
Liliggxz (Isaiah Beckford) is a singer, entertainer and influencer from Toronto! Give him a stage and a mic and he’ll gladly play for the world.
What are you most excited about performing at The Q Musicale?
It’s been an absolute dream for me for the past few years now to be able to have a performance During pride, so I’m so thankful for the opportunity!
What can attendees expect from your performance?
Attendees can expect an absolutely amazing time with immaculate vibes and Tunes that will be you stuck in your head all the way until you reach your bed!
Who has been an inspiration to your creativity, either musically or personally?
I think my biggest inspiration, especially when it comes to creativity in music is Juice WRLD! His ability to be able to transform his emotions into a beautiful Masterpieces and express his self through music is a great power I Envy and hope to also be able to do one day!
What’s one thing people might not know about you?
One thing people might not know about me is that I’m looking to Shed light on theLGBT community And create music that talks about our experiences and what we go through as queer people so we can all feel accepted through song!
Are you currently working on any new or upcoming projects?
Many many new projects on the way! My newest one that I’m working on highlights the experiences of growing up as a gay man in Toronto what it’s like to be out on church Street nowadays and Celebrating pride!
Catch Liliggxz at The Q Musicale at 7:50pm on June 22, 2024 at Barbara Hall Park, 519 Church Street, Toronto.
The Q Musicale takes place at Barbara Hall Park, 519 Church St, Toronto – June 22, 2024, 1pm – 11pm. Check the website for a schedule of performances.
About the Author
Bryen Dunn is a freelance journalist with a focus on travel, lifestyle, entertainment and hospitality. He has an extensive portfolio of celebrity interviews with musicians, actors and other public personalities. He enjoys discovering delicious eats, tasting spirited treats, and being mesmerized by musical beats.
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