Monday, July 20 | 5 - 10 PM
EVENT NOTE: This Music In The Square presentation was originally scheduled for Thursday, July 16.
Enjoy free live concerts featuring a curated mix of emerging artists and beloved homegrown icons. At Sankofa Square, this weekly celebration brings the vibrant energy of Toronto’s music scene right to the heart of downtown for an unforgettable #HotSquareSummer evening.
The Q Musicale Festival Takes Over the Square!
For the entire month of July, we are thrilled to partner with The Q Musicale – a growing, multi-day live music festival dedicated to celebrating queer creativity and connection. Officially designated as a Major Cultural Event of Pride Toronto 2026, this artist-first, inclusive community festival is taking over Sankofa Square bringing an electrifying, diverse lineup of emerging and established queer talent to the downtown stage.
The July 20 presentation features: Robert Ball, Lynx Dean, el Hashem, It Gets Better Canada, Shadrack Jackman, Christian Jeffries, Mel MacMullin, Nicolina, OMG Classic, SEHO, Cameron Tania, Amanda Taylor, and Sarah Vanderzon
FEATURED ARTISTS & PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
5:00 PM — Christian Jeffries
Christian Jeffries and Backburner are a group of Humber College Grads fronted by Christian Jeffries singing Christian’s original compositions 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. @christian_jeffries_to
5:30 PM — Robert Ball
Robert Ball is a soulful singer with jazz sensibilities. “a voice that’s smooth as silk” – BroadwayWorld.com,”amazing tenor and smooth, effortless falsetto…” – Notable Magazine… @robertballmusic
6:00 PM — Mel MacMullin
Toronto-based singer-songwriter Mel MacMullin doesn't chase hooks; she follows truth. Returning to music after a two-decade hiatus, she writes songs with layered meaning like an archaeologist of the soul. Her soon-to-be-released debut album, produced on Nashville's Music Row by Dolly Parton's award-winning producer, is a fearless, genre-defying collection where poetry and music become one. @desiderata_lesueur
6:15 PM — It Gets Better Canada
It Gets Better Canada is a registered charity in Canada that envisions a world where all 2SLGBTQ+ youth are free to live equally and know their worthiness and power as individuals. Its mission is to uplift, empower, and connect 2SLGBTQ+ youth across Canada. @itgetsbettercanada
6:30 PM — SEHO
SEHO is a Toronto-based queer pop singer-songwriter creating club-inspired music rooted in euphoria, vulnerability, and identity. His debut album, Euphoric Red, arriving in spring-summer 2026, explores the tension between light and shadow in modern queer life through a mix of dance floor energy and emotional storytelling.
@sehoartist
6:45 PM — OMG Classic
Jeff Graham, better known by his stage moniker OMG Classic, brings a blast of nostalgia to the dance-pop music scene. @omgclassic
7:00 PM — Lynx Dean
Lynx Dean is a fierce trans artist who writes pride anthems about queer empowerment, taking our power back and celebrating our authenticity. He tours the world advocating a sense of belonging and a be who you are attitude. @thelynxdean
7:15 PM — el Hashem
Canadian Lebanese artist el Hashem was born to a well known and respected Lebanese family, and inspired by trailblazing aunts hailed for their contribution to women in music in Lebanon, with one being considered one of the most stunning voices in the country from the 50’s to the mid 80’s. He has always been passionate about songs, but a career in queer media took his time, until 2020, when he decided to pursue his passion for singing and songwriting. (el Hashem, who’s real name is Antoine Elhashem is also the founder and co-producer of The Q Musicale). @elhashemmusic
7:30 PM — Sarah Vanderzon
Initially shy, Sarah Vanderzon spent her high school days playing basketball and soccer, but found her true love in music. She lived with her family (which included two older brothers) "on a random road that nobody knows exists" located on the outskirts of Montréal and in a largely rural setting. @sarahvdzon
8:00 PM — Cameron Tania
A perfect blend of Country, Known as Toronto’s “Plus Size Pop Princess,” Cameron Tania is a queer, neurodivergent indie pop singer- songwriter who advocates for LGBTQ2+ Rights, Addiction Recovery, Domestic Abuse Awareness, Fat Liberation, and Neurodivergent Accessibility. Cameron has cultivated a fanbase of over 60K followers and was named Songwriter of the Year at the 2022 OMAs. @camerontaniamusic
8:30 PM — Amanda Taylor
Mandy Goodhandy aka Amanda Taylor is a singer, comedian, author and speaker. She was a TO Pride Parade Grand Marshal in 2010. She performs music concerts and comedy shows at many Toronto venues. @mandygoodhandy
9:00 PM — Shadrack Jackman
Combining elements of soul, pop, and electronic music, Shadrack Jackman’s music is a reflection of their eclectic tastes and experiences. Their soulful vocals, paired with infectious beats and poignant lyrics, create a sonic experience that resonates deeply with audiences. @shaddyjackman
9:30 PM — Nicolina
Emerging pop vocalist and songwriter Nicolina has had a whirlwind few years. When the Canadian teen began posting TikTok videos from her suburban bedroom in early 2020, she had no idea she would eventually find herself on the international stage on 2022’s American Idol. But when you hear her sing – and when audiences all over the world have experienced her almost preternatural talent – the journey feels almost inevitable. It’s those breathtaking high notes, rich tone, and controlled range. Nicolina’s talent is undeniable, and the sheer force and reality of her voice have made her a fan favourite and artist to watch as she gets ready to release new music. @nicolinabozzo
About The Q Musicale
The Q Musicale is a growing, multi-day live music festival and not-for-profit organization created to showcase queer artists and build meaningful cultural experiences in Toronto. Now in its third year, this artist-first, community-driven festival provides a vital platform for emerging and established queer talent in an inclusive, all-ages space. This summer's festival programming at Sankofa Square will culminate in the inaugural The Q Music Awards—a partnered initiative with INSPIRE Awards celebrating queer musical excellence across Canada through an independent, juried process. Learn more at theqmusicale.ca.
Upcoming Music in the Square Dates:
July 23 & 30
August 6, 13, 20 & 27
Go to sankofasquare.ca/hotsquaresummer to see the full season of free weekly events.