The Q Musicale 2024
The Q Musicale artist spotlights – el Hashem, Sherry Sylvain, Mandy Goodhandy, Simone Denny, Carole Pope
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, 2024 between 1pm and 11pm at Church and Gloucester Street, Toronto. Presented in partnership with the Church Wellesley Village and Pride Toronto.
el Hashem is a Canadian Lebanese artist who was born to a well known and respected Lebanese family, and inspired by trailblazing aunts hailed for their contribution to women in music in Lebanon, with one being considered one of the most stunning voices in the country from the 50’s to the mid 80’s.
What are you most excited about performing at Q Musicale?
It’s a street party for the whole Village, what’s not to be excited about. And as founder and co-producer and all that, I think I am most excited about sharing the stage performing with some of the my most favourtie artists.
What can attendees expect from your performance?
I am premiering new songs from my upcoming album, so it will be exciting to hear our peeps be the first to hear them in the world.
Who has been an inspiration to your creativity, either musically or personally?
My aunts who were icons of music in Lebanon, inspired me, the music of the 80s and early 90s influence me, and music and songs in general are my passion.
What’s one thing people might not know about you?
That I am actually shy, and it took a lot of work to break out of my shell.
Are you currently working on any new or upcoming projects?
Yes indeed, I am releasing two singles from my upcoming album “This Playlist WILL Make You Feel Good”, then the album end of summer, plus two music videos, so it’s a very busy summer.
Catch el Hashem at The Q Musicale at 8:05pm on June 22, 2024 at Barbara Hall Park, 519 Church Street, Toronto.
Sherry Sylvain is a mature, mobility-challenged transwoman who has been singing since she could speak. She has been active in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community locally, provincially, nationally, and internationally for more years than she cares to count.
What are you most excited about performing at The Q Musicale?
I am thrilled to work in an environment where I can be my fully authentic self, performing with other artists who will celebrate their full identities.
What can attendees expect from your performance?
I plan to offer a selection of different genres of recognized songs, while also premiering my own original song, “My Own Woman” which will be released this summer.
Who has been an inspiration to your creativity, either musically or personally?
I grew up surrounded by music, involved in choir and piano from age 5, and with a mother who sang, and taught me songs from the 30s and 40s. As a result, I have been inspired by everyone from Rosemary Clooney through Dinah Shore, Pearl Bailey, Barbra Streisand and Celine Dion.
What’s one thing people might not know about you?
Is it possible that there are people who do not know that I am a transgender woman?
Are you currently working on any new or upcoming projects?
I am working on some new music, including the original song, “My Own Woman” which will be presented as a trans-female anthem.
Catch Sherry Sylvain at The Q Musicale at 6:05 on June 22, 2024 at Barbara Hall Park, 519 Church Street, Toronto.
Mandy Goodhandy (Amanda Taylor) is a singer, comedian, author and public speaker. She was a TO Pride Parade Grand Marshal in 2010. She performs music concerts & comedy shows at many Toronto venues.
What are you most excited about performing at The Q Musicale?
To be part of a showcase that features a variety of entertainers from our LGBT+ communities. Especially one that is spotlighting live music pieces.
What can attendees expect from your performance?
I will be singing three songs from my album “Just Call me Lady”. Even though I will be perfroming with backing tracks from the album I am hoping attendees will
appreciate the instrumentals that were provided by a handful of Canada’s best musicians.
Who has been an inspiration to your creativity, either musically or personally?
Not just one, a combination of very smart and talented women. Barbra Striesand vocally, Midler & Cher for their stage personas and Gaga for her versatility regarding music genre.
What’s one thing people might not know about you?
I am the step trans-mother of actress Tamara Taylor (Party of Five, Bones & Law & Order – Organized Crime) and second cousin of actress, producer & writer Neve Campbell (Party of Five, Scream & House of cards)
Are you currently working on any new or upcoming projects?
I have some speaking gigs coming up at universities in TO. I will also be directing and performing in a musical about sexworker stories put to song, movement and word 2025/26.
Catch Mandy Goodhandy at The Q Musicale at 1:55pm on June 22, 2024 at Barbara Hall Park, 519 Church Street, Toronto.
Simone Denny is best known as the voice of a generation, the legendary seven-time nominated / four-time Juno Award – winning, five-time Billboard Dance Chart topping vocalist for acts including the G old and Platinum selling Love Inc., as well as BKS, and Widelife, Toronto based Simone Denny’s powerhouse vocals drive a prolific list of songs beloved around the world. Among those late night, international club anthems are: You’re A Superstar, Broken Bones, Astroplane, Who Do You Love, Into The Night, Here Comes The Sunshine, I Don’t Want You, Cliché; and she is also the voice of TV’s original Queer Eye For The Straight Guy theme, All Things (Just Keep Getting Better). Beyond music, Simone is now branching out into extended run theatre performances, T.E.D. Talks, body positivity promotions, fashion modelling, and now hosting her own Instagram celebrity chat shows Simone Denny Live, and the multi-media talk show Simone And Shaun (co-hosting alongside SiriusXM’s Shaun Proulx). Most recently, Simone has signed a song writing co-publishing deal with Canadian publishing powerhouse company Red Brick Songs.
Catch Simone Denny at The Q Musicale at 9:50pm on June 22, 2024 at Barbara Hall Park, 519 Church Street, Toronto.
Carole Pope is an agent provocateur whose Music that makes you think and dance at the same time. Her new single “Play Fisty for Me” is available on all platforms
What are you most excited about performing at Q Musicale? Reaching out to a new audience of queers
What can attendees expect from your performance? Acoustic versions of New tracks and retro favorites
Who has been an inspiration to your creativity, either musically or personally? PJ Harvey and Bjork
What’s one thing people might not know about you?
I love art and theatre
Are you currently working on any new or upcoming projects?
We are currently looking for producers and funding for Rough Trade The Musical
Catch Carole Pope at The Q Musicale at 10:20pm on June 22, 2024 at Barbara Hall Park, 519 Church Street, Toronto.
The Q Musicale takes place at Church and Gloucester street, 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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