The Q Musicale 2024
The Q Musicale artist spotlights – Robert Ball, J3M, Christian Jeffries and Backburner, Heidi Michelle Thomas and Adam Weinmann
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.
Robert Ball is a soulful singer with jazz sensibilities. His sound spans soul, neo-soul, jazz and easy listening. With a global audience, extensive list of tour dates, artist collaborations, and live broadcast appearances, his 18-year career has led him to fine-tune his inspirational and tranquil music.
What are you most excited about performing at The Q Musicale?
I am excited anytime I get to perform – especially during PRIDE. I am also always thrilled to meet and connect with other artists and I know the Q Musicale line-up will be excellent.
What can attendees expect from your performance?
Heartfelt, vibrant, honest SIIIINGING! I am looking forward to performing music from my EP I haven’t performed in a while and Singles I’ve only performed a handful of times.
Who has been an inspiration to your creativity, either musically or personally?
Luther Vandross I consider my vocal-bible! The career and journey of Queer artists such as Billy Porter & Sylvester as well as Jazz / Soul artists Gregory Porter, Jill Scott among others.
What’s one thing people might not know about you?
Visual Arts was my first love and I was an art major all through high-school. Also I am a good cook 😉 …
Are you currently working on any new or upcoming projects?
I am currently in rehearsals for a new musical to debut at the Toronto Fringe Festival called “Boy Boy and the Magic Drum” – with music by Jewelle Blackman. I am also writing and developing two shows – one set during the Harlem Renaissance and the other honouring the legacy of my family history and the famed ‘Ball Family Jubilee Singers’ .
Catch Robert Ball at The Q Musicale at 2:40pm on June 22, 2024 at Barbara Hall Park, 519 Church Street, Toronto.
Performer Heidi Michelle Thomas and pianist Adam Weinmann have been working over the past year and a half to bring live music back to Church Street, with their weekly musical theatre open mic “C. U. Next Tuesday” at O’Grady’s on Church. When they’re not wearing outrageous costumes and performing show tunes, Heidi works as an actor and Adam works as a dietitian at SickKids.
What are you most excited about performing at The Q Musicale?
Reuniting ALL 4 of The Golden Girls for the Church St. Community’s entertainment and amusement!
What can attendees expect from your performance?
Four previously married, previously alive, middle-aged loud-mouthed, kooky, and quick to complain, yet also caring,
‘women’ sharing quips, stories, life lessons, and humour of their various experiences together through story and song.
Who has been an inspiration to your creativity, either musically or personally?
Judy Garland, Lucille Ball, Carol Burnett, Joan Rivers
What’s one thing people might not know about you?
We’re both completely open books!
Are you currently working on any new or upcoming projects?
Heidi’s starring in a brand new Canadian musical called TOMMY RHODES – A True Crime Musical, that takes place in the Bayou, playing at the Red Sandcastle Theatre. Also, you can catch Adam and Heidi EVERY Tuesday night at O’GRADY’S on Church, 9pm-12am, for an Open Stage of comedy and song with a different weekly theme!
Catch Heidi and Adam at The Q Musicale at 5:15pm on June 22, 2024 at Barbara Hall Park, 519 Church Street, Toronto.
J3M blends pop, disco & R&B, sharing stories & melodies that’ll live in your head rent-free. The award-winning singer/songwriter/producer has been featured on eTalk & CBC Q. He’s collaborated with Canada’s most promising artists (LU KALA, Tanika Charles, Zaki Ibrahim) & performs locally & internationally. His new single “GYST” is out now!
What are you most excited about performing at The Q Musicale?
I’m excited to connect with members of my community and our allies!What can attendees expect from your performance? To dance!!
Who has been an inspiration to your creativity, either musically or personally?
Toni Braxton, Whitney Houston, Donna Summer, Kylie Minogue, Lenny Kravitz, John Legend, Dula Peep, I could go on!
What’s one thing people might not know about you?
I am fluent in French and I love to swim and play video games!
Are you currently working on any new or upcoming projects?
I’m working on my next EP, the sequel to AFRONAUT 🙂
Catch J3M at The Q Musicale at 8:55pm on June 22, 2024 at Barbara Hall Park, 519 Church Street, Toronto.
Christian Jeffries and Backburner are a group of Humber College Grads fronted by Christian Jeffries singing Christian’s original compostions gathered from a very colourful life. Based in Toronto they have entertained crowds at the Royal Ontario Museum, The Young Centre For The Performing Arts and various Toronto Clubs.
What are you most excited about performing at Q Musicale?
I am thrilled to be included in a festival of queer artists performing and promoting original material.
What can attendees expect from your performance?
Several musical styles that give everyone something they like.
Who has been an inspiration to your creativity, either musically or personally?
Boy George
What’s one thing people might not know about you?
I come from Niagara Falls and studied vocal jazz at Humber College
Are you currently working on any new or upcoming projects?
We have a club mix of Scratch coming out and are beginning work on our follow up single My Turn To Cry
Catch Christian Jeffries and Backburner at The Q Musicale at 3:05pm 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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