TQ Live! will celebrate its 10th anniversary on September 13, 2024, marking a decade’s worth of vibrant and inclusive performances that have become a cornerstone of queer expression in Pittsburgh. This year’s milestone event at the Carnegie Museum of Art continues the tradition of showcasing diverse talent from LGBTQIA+ communities both locally and nationally, with a special focus for 2024 on the transportive power of music.
Since its inception in 2013, TQ Live! has provided a platform for innovative and boundary-pushing performance art, encompassing dance, comedy, spoken word, drag, music, theater, and film, from featured performers including The Dragon Sisters, Vanessa German, Mrs. Kasha Davis, and Rickey Laurentiis. The series originated from a Carnegie Mellon School of Art class taught by Professor Suzie Silver from 2011 to 2016, where students produced and performed variety shows in the theater of the Andy Warhol Museum. The museum co-presented TQ Live! from 2013 to 2019, first in its theater and then in its entrance space as the event’s popularity grew.
Curated by long-time producers Suzie Silver, Scott Andrew, Joseph Hall, and, more recently, sarah huny young, the 2024 lineup will be hosted by musician lys scott. Featured performers include Detroit's Ahya Simone, known for her ethereal harp compositions and multidisciplinary approach; Pittsburgh’s Mani Bahia, whose genre-blending sounds have captivated local audiences; the ambient duo GLO-TREE, who bring a unique, improvised musical experience; and Joey Young, Pittsburgh’s Drag Pop Star, whose performances are both electric and empowering. The night will culminate in a dance party led by the renowned DJ HUNY XO, promising an unforgettable celebration of queer music and culture.
Co-presented by the Carnegie Museum of Art, TQ Live! 2024 will also offer a variety of food and drink options on-site, ensuring a full evening of entertainment and community engagement. The event is designed for adult audiences, with performances that explore mature themes. This year's production is made possible through the generous support of the Opportunity Fund, Carnegie Mellon University School of Art, and the Frank-Ratchye STUDIO for Creative Inquiry.
2024 Host:
- lys scott is a proud LGBTQIA+ and first-generation Thai American with big dreams and even bigger personality. Known for their explosive debut album squashed dreams & broken wings, lys has become a staple in Pittsburgh’s music scene with their energizing performances and genre-blending sound.
National Performer:
- Ahya Simone is a multidisciplinary artist and harpist from Detroit, known for her unique fusion of R&B, soul, jazz, and experimental music. Ahya is also an acclaimed filmmaker, recognized for her work on Femme Queen Chronicles and for her compositions in film.
Local Performers:
- Mani Bahia is a multidisciplinary artist and musician from Pittsburgh, leading her band "Mani Bahia & The Mob" to critical acclaim with their genre-bending performances. Mani's recent project, Inferno, showcases her talent in alt R&B, hip-hop, funk, house, and soul.
- GLO-TREE is an improvised ambient duo, known for their serene soundscapes and captivating performances in Pittsburgh’s improvised music scene. They are currently working on their debut EP, set for release in 2024.
- Joey Young is Pittsburgh’s Drag Pop Star, a drag queen musician with national acclaim, who has performed at Pride events across the country. Known for their dynamic performances, Joey has made a significant impact in the Pittsburgh LGBTQIA+ community.
For more information, please visit:
Carnegie Museum of Art event page
TQ Live! On Instagram