A Kings Heath based music group is throwing the stage doors open to singers and musicians from the LGBTQ+ community and their allies.
The Queerly Musical Collective is building a wide-ranging repertoire spanning cult favourites such as The Rocky Horror Picture Show and Cabaret, Sondheim classics, and playful contemporary pieces from The Barbie Movie and SpongeBob Musical.
Created by the Misfits Music charity, it offers a welcoming, sociable space for the LGBTQ+ community and allies, who play any instrument or sing, to make music together.
Supported using funding by the Arts Council England, the group is led by Misfits Music co-founder Rob Jones, a composer and saxophonist who trained at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.
There are no auditions, and members will also have opportunities to perform.
Rob Jones said: “I’ve wanted to create a group like this for a long time, somewhere LGBTQ+ musicians, singers and allies can come together, experiment, try new things and have fun.
"Because of the innovative way we arrange the music, people with a wide range of abilities can be part of creating the same great sound, and I’m excited to build a vibrant, creative group where everyone can contribute, grow in confidence and help shape the music we make.”
The Queerly Musical Collective runs on Mondays at Kings Heath Community Centre and free trial sessions are available until 16th November.
Singers and musicians are welcome, with fully and part-supported places available where cost is a barrier, as well as support with sourcing an instrument where needed.
The Collective adds a new way for people to take part in Birmingham's musical life, bringing together the city's LGBTQ+ community and its rich culture of music-making.
By combining professional musical leadership with arrangements designed for different ability levels, Misfits Music hopes the group will give more people the confidence and opportunity to make ambitious music together.
The Queerly Musical Collective meets on Mondays from 7.15pm to 8.45pm at Kings Heath Community Centre. Musicians and singers are welcome, with fully and part-supported places available where cost is a barrier, as well as support with sourcing an instrument where needed. Find out more and book at misfitsmusic.org.uk/lgbt-groups.
