What do a self-described "indie-grass" acoustic duo from Chicago, a multi-piece Americana jazz group and a Tucson-based trans singer/songwriter have in common?
More than you might think.
On Saturday, the 10th annual Alt Q music festival was held at the Old Town School of Folk Music. Since 2000, Chicago musician Scott Free has been bringing talented queer artists from across the country to Alt Q, and Saturday's event was no exception. This year's theme, "Best in Show," brought back a handful of artists from the last ten years.
The 10th anniversary event brought indie-folk duo Actor Slash Model, veteran performers Wishing Chair, alt/Americana ensemble The Heat Birds, trans singer/songwriter Namoli Brennet, Old Town School staff member and performer Aerin Tedesco and bluegrass/folk duo, Coyote Grace to Chicago.
Alt Q seeks to "celebrate the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered experience through music and performance," and also, to highlight lesser known out musicians to both LGTBQ audiences as well as the general public. While this mission is undoubtedly accomplished year after year, Alt Q does more than promote queer artists in Chicago, it contributes to queer causes worldwide.
This year, a portion of all proceeds were donated to SEROvie, an organization that provides HIV services to Haitians, and to Colectiva Mujer y Salud, a lesbian Dominican group currently aiding in Haitian relief efforts.
Alt Q is supported by local, independent queer-friendly businesses. Combining the visibility of out artists with the support of local independent businesses reinforces Alt Q's mission of celebrating queer artists in the community.
To learn more about Alt Q, click here.