All Queer Indie Music Event Returns to Spotlight Toronto-based 2SLGBTQIA+ Artists

QUEER MUSIC SOCIAL presented by Cory Stewart and Sasha the Dragon returns to downtown Toronto with some the city’s top Queer artists, including Charmie, Dario Dvon, dichotomi and Unlisted Negros.

TORONTO, ON (May 7, 2024) – QUEER MUSIC SOCIAL presented by pop musician Cory Stewart and soul artist and curator Sasha the Dragon returns to Toronto’s music scene on Thursday, May 30, 2024 in the heart of downtown at It’s Ok* Studios (468 Queen St W), an independent Black-led and operated, interdisciplinary, multipurpose arts space. The celebrated event, created for Queer musicians to have performance opportunities outside of traditional Pride events, will feature a lineup of some of the city’s top Queer talent including Charmie, Dario Dvon, dichotomi and Unlisted Negros.

With 92% of LGBT consumers considering themselves passionate music fans (GLAAD, 2016), QUEER MUSIC SOCIAL fills a large void in the Toronto Queer music community. QUEER MUSIC SOCIAL initially began in 2020 as an online artist community, in which Cory Stewart hosted special guests such as music PR expert Eric Alper and 604 Records (Marianas Trench, Carly Rae Jepsen) President Jonathan Simkin for Q&A style sessions. The monthly event provided an opportunity for 2SLGBTQIA+ indie artists to get a peek behind the curtain of the music industry through an intimate and informal chat with numerous industry experts.

“Feeling isolated while navigating the music industry as a Queer individual is a common experience. The goal of QUEER MUSIC SOCIAL is to create a safe space for 2SLGBTQIA+ artists and music enthusiasts to connect and build a supportive community,” says founder Cory Stewart. “As fantastic as Pride celebrations are, there are limited platforms addressing the ongoing needs of our community throughout the year. My hope is that this initiative will help fill that gap,” adds Sasha the Dragon, Co-Event Director and Music Curator.

Tickets for QUEER MUSIC SOCIAL ($20 advance, $25 door) are now on sale at www.queermusicsocial.com.

ABOUT THE ARTISTS

About Charmie:

Discover one of Toronto’s musical gems through the passionate singer/songwriter Charmie. Born in Haiti, Charmie began exploring her musical talents at the young age of nine. As a self-taught musician, she excels at playing guitar, piano, bass, drums and even beatboxing. Her contemporary style of music is a unique fusion of Rhythm & Blues and Pop Soul. Known for fostering a deep connection with her audiences, Charmie’s words go straight from her heart to yours.

In addition to her live performances, Charmie has also made a name for herself as a songwriter and collaborator. She co-wrote on Nelly Furtado’s latest unreleased album and even received a mention in Vogue magazine. She has also worked with renowned producers such as T-Minus, Billa Joints, WondaGurl, and James Bryan from bands Philosopher Kings and Prozzak.
As Charmie continues to make waves in the music industry, she remains dedicated to her craft and passionate about creating music that resonates with listeners. With her talent, drive, and determination, Charmie is poised to become a household name and a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. This is only the beginning for Charmie, and her journey is one that music lovers won’t want to miss. You can find her new single “Disaster” out now and follow her on all socials @charmiemusic.

About Dario Dvon:

Dario Dvon, a multi-genre artist hailing from Barbados, brings a unique blend of soulful vocals and captivating performances to the vibrant music scene of Toronto, Canada. As a gay artist, Dario is committed to expressing his music authentically and fearlessly, using his platform to celebrate diversity and advocate for inclusivity.

Driven by a passion for music that transcends boundaries, Dario embarked on his musical journey at a young age, finding solace and inspiration in the power of song. In addition to honing his craft as a vocalist and songwriter, Dario co-founded Equals, an organization in Barbados dedicated to providing a safe and supportive space for LGBTQ+ individuals.

Transitioning to the bustling city of Toronto, Dario has made his mark through electrifying performances at renowned venues such as Drake Underground and Stackts Market. His music, which draws from a diverse range of influences including R&B, pop, and soul, resonates with audiences of all backgrounds, embodying themes of love, resilience, and self-expression.

In addition to his work as a musician, Dario is a passionate advocate for social change, using his voice to champion LGBTQ+ rights and promote equality. His one-man play, ‘The Voice that Colours the Silence,’ serves as a powerful testament to his commitment to fostering positivity and understanding.

With a blend of raw talent, infectious energy, and unwavering dedication to his craft, Dario Dvon continues to push boundaries and inspire audiences worldwide, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry and beyond.

About dichotomi:

dichotomi has constantly battled between their two innate natures – a creative side full of wanderlust and powerful emotional energy, and a critical, scientific side approaching life through a lens of practicality. Through much of their life, dichotomi felt that music wasn’t a real option, choosing instead to focus on a passion for STEM and finding a lucrative “traditional” career. While in grad school, the itch to perform returned in the form of weekly campus karaoke sessions that both created a chance to perform and introduced dichotomi to like-minded individuals who encouraged them to move toward music. It was at this point dichotomi realized that they can exist as two things at once, which inspired the name “dichotomi” and set them on the path to become “The Music Industry’s coolest nerd”.

About Unlisted Negros:

Unlisted Negros is a duo composed of multifaceted creators Tee.Scott and KayGeni. KayGeni is a Bahamian creator, Visual Artist, and storyteller with years of experience in the arts industry; both internationally and in her home country, The Bahamas. A founder of the former girl group “Keys”, Tee.Scott holds many notable accolades under her belt, including featured performances at the Honey Jam showcase, and Manifesto festival. Unlisted Negros was formed to honour black divine feminine energy, and express radical love of self while refusing to be categorised or put into a box. They credit their ancestors as their main source of inspiration.

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