On October 31, TIFF Bell Lightbox welcomes back boombox, Toronto’s finest Halloween bash. This year’s event will be an all-out Heroes vs. Villains battle, featuring imaginative creators, interactive installations, and a special performance from Cirque du Soleil’s Alegría.

Be you a scoundrel or a saviour, a superhero or a supervillain, TIFF invites you to don your Halloween finest and prepare for a night of live music, fantastic food, dancing, and healthy competition. With funds from this year’s event supporting TIFF’s year-round initiatives and programming, this celebration for a cause promises to be a party for the ages.

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

Cirque du Soleil Alegría

Beloved by fans around the world, Cirque du Soleil brings the energy and exhilaration of Alegría to TIFF Bell Lightbox for one night with a special performance.

theBUZZ readers also won’t want to miss the Drag Battle featuring some of Toronto’s top drag queens who are going to make this night one to remember. We had an opportunity to chat with each performer to get some inside scoop on what attendees are in for!

Sofonda Cox

1. What does Boombox mean to you?

Well, This will be my first time at Boombox and I am super excited for this event .  I have heard awesome things about this party so I am looking forward to it.

2. This event is happening on Halloween, commonly referred to as Gay Christmas, so what can attendees expect from your performance?

My performances are always Grand  and over the top. You can never be to EXTRA for this type of Extravaganza!!!

3. The theme is Villain or Hero. Which are you, and why?

It was  a  luck of the draw. I have outfits for both  Villain and  Hero but for this instance I will be a hero.  She’s a Chameleon Honey

4. Tell me about one of the most outrageous Halloween events you’ve performed at in the past, and why it remains memorable?

I used to perform  at FLY2.0 as the incredible nightclub’s  resident Diva.   They gave me full creative control. So one time I was Regan from the exorcist and I got levitated off of a bed in mid air. It was Freaky and  amazing!!!

5. What other events do you have happening for Halloween this year?

I am booked solid for  Halloweek as I call it.  I am your hostess with the mostess so I will be hosting Queen of halloween a Woodys , My home bar.  I am also performing at Mister C . I am there every Thursday night fo rthe Glitter Party.   You can find me  at Woodys Every  Sunday hosting smokin hot divas. Among other events I  will also be featured at the Soho house,  The Drink on saturdays from 6-9, and  Glad day  book shop and a stint at Strykers bar.

Jada Hudson

1. What does Boombox mean to you?

Boombox to me means Communtiy One love and truthfully a good time with every one no matter the color of your skin, religion or sexuality. Its a good time together as one community one party……

2. This event is happening on Halloween, commonly referred to as Gay Christmas, so what can attendees expect from your performance?

Being known as The Toronto Turn Queen expect high energy, alot of confidence alot of stunts and flexibiltiy a.nd a personality like none other.

3. The theme is Villain or Hero. Which are you, and why?

I can be both am the best of both worlds said Miley Cyrus and Hannah Montana lol. I can be bad or good i guess youll have to be at BOOMBOX to find out

.4. Tell me about one of the most outrageous Halloween events you’ve performed at in the past, and why it remains memorable?

Truthfully ill have to say BOOMBOX and that’s the truth ….. i normally perform in the bars and clubs in the  church st village which is amazing and always packed but to do something different and in such a huge space was incredible. i loved that the party takes up the entire building, that they are multiple bars downtsairs and upstairs everyone dressed up and its an event that involves everyone. its shows that being a drag entertainer now is being looked at as an actual artiste which is amazing.

5. What other events do you have happening for Halloween this year?

They were so many events i was asked to do but i cant fill everything in one night but i do have an event called MOJOWEEN at Flash on Church street a Halloween costume partied by party promoters and producers mojo toronto Monty & Joey. They throw some really good parties weekly in the city and am excited to do their Halloween party this year.

Devine Darlin

 

1. What does Boombox mean to you?

Boombox to me means an event where anyone from all walks of life are under one roof sharing a night of great music and art experiences.

2. This event is happening on Halloween, commonly referred to as Gay Christmas, so what can attendees expect from your performance?

For my performance audience can expect a high energy acrobatic experience.

3. The theme is Villain or Hero. Which are you, and why?

I will be an hero because i always believe in being a beacon for my friends and family. Someone they can look up too and depend/count on.

4. Tell me about one of the most outrageous Halloween events you’ve performed at in the past, and why it remains memorable?

The most outrageous halloween event i ever performed at was FML when i did catwoman and i fell of the stage lol.

5. What other events do you have happening for Halloween this year?

I will be performing at The Drink on Church Street  with Michelle Ross on Halloween night.

Comedy Battle

Stand-up comedians take the stage and go at each other — do you dare stand in the crossfire?

Featuring Leonard Chan, Sarah Ashby, Foad HP, Jennifer Hsiung, Rush Kazi, and Rahil Shaikh

Runway Battle

Take it to the runway as some of Toronto’s top-performing talent dance, duckwalk and vogue their way to the top.

Featuring Kiki, Snoopy, Chantelle Maegan Mostacho, Esie Mensah, Percy Anane-Dwumfour, and Sze-Yang Ade-Lam

Drag Battle

Featuring appearances by Sofonda Cox, Jada Hudson and Devine Darlin, Toronto’s top drag talent battles it out at boombox: Heroes vs. Villains. Who will take the crown?

DJ Battle

Two DJs showcase their talents before they compete in a song for song battle to dance floor dominance!

Featuring  DJs Blackcat and Mr Akil D

Dance Battle

Whether your style is more Step Up or You Got Served, you’re bound to be entertained when good and evil face off face off in a war for the dance floor.

Battle Photography

Guests will choose between duelling hero and villain portrait shoots, each with unique design and lighting. Who will capture your good side?

Featuring photographers Tara Noelle and Jesús Maza Piñero

Battle Illustrations

Heroes and villains alike can see themselves reimagined as some of their favourite fictional characters. Competing illustrators go head to head, transforming guests into Gremlins or Lego characters.

Featuring artists Joseph Bonsu and Mark Williams

Rock, Paper Superpower!

Brought to life by Electric Perfume, this interactive installation combines superhero power-posing with a supercharged version of rock, paper, scissors.

Good Enough Karaoke

Good Enough Karaoke is Toronto’s best live karaoke experience, featuring a full live band with a massive repertoire of over 400 genre-spanning songs. They play, you take centre stage.

For additional information please visit  tiff.net/boombox.

Tickets $150, $99 for Under 25, and $300 for VIP which includes food and open bar.

 Use promo code 19BOOMBOXDUO

Tickets

 

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.