David’s Disco returns with a bold new twist – a seductive, Studio 54 circus-inspired playground where anything can happen and something always does. It’s where the music never stops, and every move you make helps raise funds for Casey House. Join the festivities for a night of heart, humanity, healing, and dancing that will leave a lasting impact on the community.

On Saturday March 28, The Concert Hall (888 Yonge Street) in Toronto will transform into a glamourous disco wonderland – a world of low lights, fast beats and electric possibilities. The night promises high-energy fun with drag sensation Kylie Sonique Love, Drag Race All Star Season 6 winner performing centre stage, chanteuse Simone Denny getting the dance floor moving, and DJ Dancing Phil of Yohomo spinning crowd-lifting hits all night long. Expect to lose track of time in the best way. When guests need a break from the dance floor, they can mingle at the open bar, shop the lavish silent auction, enjoy late-night snacks, and participate in a 50/50 raffle.

David’s Disco was inspired by the life and legacy of David Shannon, a Montreal-based 2SLGBTQIA+ activist and journalist who passed away at Casey House in 2018. David chose to spend his final days surrounded by the compassionate, stigma-free care the hospice is known for. His family and friends remain deeply grateful, and are committed to ensuring others receive the same dignity and support. Casey House is expanding its clinical spaces to reach more people who need stigma-free, compassionate health care. With a fundraising goal of $500,000, David’s Disco fuels this mission by supporting programs for people living with, and at risk of HIV.

David’s Disco, Saturday March 28, 2026, The Concert Hall, 888 Yonge St., Toronto, Doors open at 9 p.m.

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See below for an exclusive interview we did with Glenn Dixon, Committee Member for David’s Disco, to find out more about this incredible annual event.

Can you briefly explain how David’s Disco came to be, and why it continues to resonate within the LGBTQ+ community today?

David’s Disco is inspired by David Shannon, an activist and journalist who died at Casey House in 2018 at the age of 55. In his 20s, David won hearts with his exuberant and witty representation of Montreal gay life in his column “Out in the City” and the “Homo Show” on McGill radio. But as David experienced the terrible losses of the AIDS epidemic, including the death of his best friend, he became an articulate and passionate leader for the gay community.  At his request, his funeral was a disco dance party filled with memories, laughter, tears and, of course, dancing.

David’s Disco is an opportunity to celebrate David and all the individuals cared for at Casey House. Why this event resonates with the LGBTQ+ event? I believe this event gives us a night to celebrate openly and a bit wildly as only our community can do to fight against all the stigmas that continue to exist.

I read the goal this year is to raise $500,000 for Casey House. Do you know how much has been previously raised throughout the years of this event, and what some of the money was directly put toward?

David’s Disco raised $880,000 in its first two years ($335,000 in 2024 and $545,000 in 2025). Proceeds from the event support enhancing inpatient and outpatient services for people living with and at risk of HIV. In 2025, funds also supported the transition to a new electronic medical system to improve safety and quality of care. In 2026, the funds raised through David’s Disco will support a renovation to add six clinical rooms and washrooms to expand the hospital’s capacity for outpatient care at Casey House.

This year’s event has a studio 54 theme to it. Can you explain a bit about this without giving away any element of surprise?

What we noticed very quickly was that David’s Disco naturally took on a raw, authentic personality right from the 1st event. People came to let their hair down and have a lot of fun with no uptightness at all. Not dissimilar to what we have heard about Studio 54 in its’ heyday. As a person that has been fortunate to attend events and fundraisers in the city, David’s Disco is an absolute one of a kind. It has a sexy and a bit debaucherous vibe and we plan to make sure that all that rawness stays with all Disco while making money for Casey House. It really is a night where anything can happen and to be honest, often does!

For the uninitiated, what can be expected over the course of the evening, entertainment wise and otherwise?

It is going to be a night of many surprises wrapped in all things Disco. We have incredible performers like Kylie Sonique Love who is wild and the wonderful Simone Deny that will get the crowd roaring. To oversee all of this, we also have the iconic Jeanne Beker who will also conduct a best dressed contest. It is an evening not to be missed truthfully, just make sure you have no early plans the following day because you’re going to want to sleep in! lol

Elton John and David Furnish have had their names attached to this benefit, and I wanted to find out in what way, and how did that arrangement come to be?

Elton John and David Furnish have been leaders in the fight against HIV and the stigma surrounding it for decades. When they heard about the work that Casey House does and David’s Disco, they were extremely happy to lend their support. We are thrilled to have them as honorary Co-Chairs.  The Elton John AIDS Foundation is a leader in the global response to HIV. Since 1992, they have raised more than $650 million to support over 3,100 projects in 102 countries globally to increase access to health care, tackle LGBTQ+ stigma, and end AIDS.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Casey House is a specialty hospital in Toronto providing ground-breaking care to people living with and at risk of HIV. Together with clients, staff, peers and volunteers, they strive to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels safe. Casey House offers a growing mix of inpatient, and outpatient services that meet clients where they are in their individual journeys of health and wellness and actively dismantle barriers to care and safe living. As a hospital that strives to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels safe, they’re also tackling the deeply ingrained stigma associated with HIV. With bold ideas and brave partners, they make the humanity of each client the heart of everything they do.

Sir Elton John and David Furnish return as honorary co-chairs alongside fashion legend Jeanne Beker, and philanthropist Paul M. Austin.

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.