The Q Musicale 2024
The Q Musicale artist spotlights – Jade Elektra, Kalyssa, Ori Dagan, Aaron de Sousa, Brooklyn Doran
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 Barbara Hall Park outside The 519, located at 519 Church Street, Toronto. Presented in partnership with the Church Wellesley Village and Pride Toronto.
Jade Elektra is Drag Recording Artist, Producer, Founder of POZ-TO, POZ-TO Awards & POZPLANET Magazine, HIV Philanthropist, and Activist. From NYC Ballroom to Movie & Television, Miss Elektra has opened for Cyndi Lauper and performed with Beyonce.
What are you most excited about performing at The Q Musicale?
It will be a chance to perform with fellow local entertainers! The past few years I have felt like Pride has been too focused on bringing in artists and personalities from other places. The magic of this event is that these are talents right here in Toronto!
What can attendees expect from your performance?
I think I bring years of experience and a great mix of drag and vocals. From being in the House of LaBeija (as seen in “Paris Is Burning”) to Film & Television to working with the local AIDS Service Organizations – I believe I bring all my humanity to my performances.
Who has been an inspiration to your creativity, either musically or personally?
I began DJ-ing in 1980 with my Uncle Herb at WMNF 88.5 FM in Tampa, Florida. I became his assistant for his Jazz and R&B show on Mondays. Artists like Billie Holiday, George Benson, Al Jareau and Phyllis Hyman were my favourites to emulate when learning to vocalize.
What’s one thing people might not know about you?
I was a writer for the Tampa Tribune at the age of 11 back in 1980. I began my journalism career then and still write today as the publisher of my monthly online magazine called POZPLANET.
Are you currently working on any new or upcoming projects?
I just finished co-writing and recording a song with Simone Denny called “Let’s Call It Love” that will be out later this summer. I also just dropped a second Pride EP for my label iUnderground Records featuring LGBT artists like Sistah Lois, GG, Joey Alvarado, Paprika Jones and of course myself, Jade Elektra. Look for it everywhere you get your music.
Catch Jade Elektra at The Q Musicale, 5pm to 7pm on June 22, 2024 at Barbara Hall Park, 519 Church Street, Toronto.
Out of some of Kalyssa’s darkest moments comes her best work. She uses any negative energy she encounters and turns it into positive, while creating powerful words and beautiful music.
What are you most excited about performing at The Q Musicale?
To be able to perform at Q Musicale to be able to perform and do what I love to do which is being able to reach the souls of my audience.
What can attendees expect from your performance?
Just a beautiful soul spreading love, light and hope through the power of her words.
Who has been an inspiration to your creativity, either musically or personally?
My musical inspiration to my creativity stems from my own personal life experiences, and while yes I have looked up to many artists since a young child, I can’t really say or pinpoint just one artist. What I will say is that music has been my sanctuary since I began as an artist in 2011. It has guided me through many dark moments by being able to release it in a way that is healing for not just myself but for others to be able to relate to.
What’s one thing people might not know about you?
I am in the process of teaching myself how to play piano, it’s never too late to learn and evolve!
Are you currently working on any new or upcoming projects?
I am working on releasing a House Mix EP of older songs as well as new material.
Catch Kalyssa at The Q Musicale, as part of the “Emerging Artists Showcase between 1:30 to 2:10 on June 22, 2024 at Barbara Hall Park, 519 Church Street, Toronto.
Ori Dagan is a Jazz Singer-Songwriter, Producer, and Host. Whether interpreting a standard, spinning a pop tune on its head, or introducing a catchy original tune, the award-winning jazz singer-songwriter captivates audiences locally and worldwide with his distinctive bass-baritone voice and forward-thinking musical style.
What can attendees expect from your performance?
I will be playing a mix of jazz standards and original compositions, as well as some pop tunes that I will jazz up, inspired by some of my favourite queer icons.
Who has been an inspiration to your creativity, either musically or personally?
My greatest musical inspiration is Björk; I have been a fan of hers since I was a teen and have seen her live 5 times to date. She inspired me to become an artist, follow my heart and to consistently think outside the box.
What’s one thing people might not know about you?
In high school, I used to write poetry, as inspired by Margaret Atwood and Emily Dickinson!
Are you currently working on any new or upcoming projects?
Yes! Working on my 5th album, due out next year, which will be a chamber jazz project. And I recently began working on “The Rat Pack Songbook Show,” a project with 15-piece jazz orchestra, performing the music of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr.
Catch Ori Dagan at The Q Musicale, 4:45pm on June 22, 2024 at Barbara Hall Park, 519 Church Street, Toronto.
Aaron De Sousa is a singer/songwriter from Mississauga, Ontario. He is a member of Forte – Toronto Gay Men’s Chorus and Tempo and has recorded four original albums: Closer to the Light in 2017, Necessity in 2019, Invitation in 2021 and Florence Sheridan in 2023.
What can attendees expect from your performance?
I will be performing all original music, with a mix of genres of my songs from pop, rock, country and balladry.
Who has been an inspiration to your creativity, either musically or personally?
My inspiration comes from life experiences whether they are my own or from my friends and family. Songwriting is a form of storytelling and I draw ideas from what I observe in the world personally or through the eyes of others.
What’s one thing people might not know about you?
One thing people may not know about me is that I have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD.) It is the reason music is my saving grace and why I am passionate about the arts.
Are you currently working on any new or upcoming projects?
One new musical project coming up is that I am taking part in a songwriting seminar with SongStudio this summer in Toronto which was recommended by a friend.
Catch Aaron de Sousa at The Q Musicale, 540pm on June 22, 2024 at Barbara Hall Park, 519 Church Street, Toronto.
Brooklyn Doran (she/her) is a queer singer-songwriter originally from the heart of Northwestern Ontario, who has been a staple of the Toronto folk scene for over ten years. Doran’s unique sound weaves song and storytelling; the polarity between her music and personality create a harmonious blend of wit and humour contrasted by vulnerable lyricism and haunting melody.(photo by Bryan Reid)
What are you most excited about performing at Q Musicale?
Pride Month is always my favourite month to perform. In 2023 I performed on the Pride Live Stage for PrideToronto and watched as the dyke march descended into the crowd during my set to mark the end of the parade. It is a memory I’ll hold onto forever. Having the opportunity to sing again at Barbara Hall Park on church street as a part of Toronto pride celebrations once again really warms my heart. I hope that young LGBTQ+ people are able to watch my set and feel represented.
What can attendees expect from your performance?
I occupy a niche space in the queer music scene – in the footsteps of artists like Boy Genius, Ethel Cain, Joy Olakudon and Julien Baker – my music is sad, lesbian, and folk.
Who has been an inspiration to your creativity, either musically or personally?
I am constantly inspired by my fellow artists in the music scene who are allowing their unique identities to shape the music they create. A few friends come to mind: J3M, Tafari Anthony, Wild Black, Skye Wallace, Sally Shaar (formerly of MONOWHALES), Camille Leon and Lydia Persaud all inspire me on the DAILY!
What’s one thing people might not know about you?
I am actually an accomplished saxophonist!
Are you currently working on any new or upcoming projects?
I am currently working on a new EP “Sleeping Dogs” set to drop soon!
Catch Brooklyn Duran at The Q Musicale, 215pm on June 22, 2024 at Barbara Hall Park, 519 Church Street, Toronto.
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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