There is a difference between “singing” and “sanging.” Those “in the know” know that “sanging” is reserved for a select group of vocalists. In case you weren’t aware, one of those vocalists is powerhouse diva Simone Denny.

Canadian native Simone is currently being heard by millions, as the voice of the theme song for NBC/Bravo Television’s hit reality show, ” Queer Eye For The Straight Guy.” “All Things (Just Keep Getting Better)” is the catchy tune which opens the show for the Fab Five, as the show’s resident gay experts have come to be known. The song is also the lead track on the “Queer Eye For The Straight Guy” soundtrack CD, which was recently released by Capitol Records.

Well-known on the dance and pop scenes in Canada, the U.K. and Europe, she is now poised to take over America. Now a solo artist, Simone is the former lead vocalist of the platinum-selling dance music group Love Inc. (“You’re A Super Star”), on Nulife/BMG. Ms. Denny’s vocal prowess has earned her 10 #1 hit songs worldwide, 4 Canadian Juno Awards and 4 Much Music Awards, including “Best Dance Recording” and “Video Of The Year.” In 2003, she toured the U.S. in support of her #1 Billboard Club Anthem “I Don’t Want You (Coming Back No More)” on Nervous Records. It’s still in recurrent play on New York City’s WKTU 103.5 FM and dance radio stations across North America. In Europe, she’s still heard as the featured voice on Love Inc.’s releases, as they continue to chart in the Top 5 across Europe. And she’s seen and heard regularly across the water in England, on their popular BBC Radio and on their music tv favorite, “Top Of The Pops.”

Born and raised in Toronto, Simone is of Guyanese heritage. Her Caribbean Canadian environment exposed her to a wide and eclectic mixed bag of musical influences. She grew up listening to calypso, reggae, Brazilian music, and of course, r&b. Some of her early influences include Tina Turner, Ve sta Williams, Etta James, AC/DC, Ben E. King, Anita Baker, Toni Braxton, Donna Summer, Bryan Adams, Prince, Michael Jackson, and many others. The lovely Simone began her career locally in Canada and quickly built up a name and a following. She held the lead role as “Mama Troy” in the Canadian production of the American gospel musical “Mama I Want To Sing.” That play is the longest running off-Broadway musical in the history of American music. As a testament to her versatility, she also recorded and performed with Canadian heavy metal band Damn 13,Simone Denny is a dynamic, soulful diva who is distinct in her desire to embrace allgenres of music, with no limits, transcending all boundaries. “I want to make peoplefeel limitless, beautiful and empowered,” she says. Her deep-rooted love of music isdriving her toward more musical accolades, as her killer voice, stage presence,shining personality and total understanding of the verb “to sang” clearly demonstrate!

Simone Denny plays Central Stage Friday, July 2.

Ken Reaume aka VIVIV is a Scarborough, Ont.,-born songwriter. He is one of the many talented solo performers from the region who deserves more attention. mixes intricate finger-picking, flamenco and classical guitar flourishes that make stunningly captivating songs. Ken has self-released three albums – his recent album titled Four Horses through his own imprint Pariah Songs and a 7″ through Hatelife. He has also toured with Final Fantasy and Jana Hunter and played with Iron and Wine and City and Colour. – Dose.ca

VIVIV closes out the second year of the Pride Lounge on Sunday, July 4 in Paul Kane Parkette.

Leilani (Also known as AYO Leilani) is a local singer/songwriter and producer. Leilani has successfully carved out a niche in the city’s indie scene. Her musical style ranges from hip hop to soulful house and offers her listeners sweet sounds without all the added preservatives. Leilani speaks to the complexities of life with songs about social justice, power, love and relationships.

Ayo Leilani performs as part of 88 Days of Fortune on Sunday, July 4 in Paul Kane Parkette and that same day as part of Blockorama.

Whether working as a choreographer, director or artist, Michel Doiron always does it successfully! For this, his first appearance at Pride Toronto, he presents a tribute to our Canadian diva, Céline Dion – the “Doiron Sings Dion” show has been evolving since 1996.A 22 year performance vetran, Michel has produced shows, reviews and numbers to entertain fans everywhere.

Michel performs on Village Stage on Sunday, July 4 at 9pm.

Jully Black is one of Canada’s best gems. Her voice is like silk, her style is impeccable, her will is unbreakable and her music is golden. Most recently, Black released ‘The Black Book’ which features that hot track ‘Running’ that we’ve heard all over the country. Our girl is hot of the heels of playing at the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games and working on her fourth album with her TriFecta Music Group.

See Jully on Saturday, July 3 on Wellesley Stage at 11pm. Part of the “WERQ!” program.

Ruby Jean shows are ecstatic. Rebekah Higgs, the first horsewoman of the apocalypse, throws herself both figuratively and literally into the seething, sweating, dancing masses before her. The bruises she incurs while crowd surfing, moshing and hurling herself unto the audience are unfelt until she wakes up calm and hung-over in Rebekah Higgs’ bed, remembering little of Ruby Jean until she sees a Youtube video of herself doing seven costume changes and pouring a bottle of champagne into a guy’s mouth from the stage.

The audacity of their live presence won the Bees some damned impressive shows and festivals before they even released their 2009 eponymous album. They’ve opened for Dragonette, Kid Koala, Thunderheist, and they recently tore the UK a new one on a trip there to play The Great Escape in Brighton.

Catch them as they perform in Queen’s Park on Saturday, July 3 at 6:30pm.

Shawnee Lynne Talbot is a 22-year-old Mohawk from Six Nations. This 2-Spirited vocal phenomenon was born and raised in Welland, Ontario, and is being compared to a young Janis Joplin. With a melodic, soulful vibe, and blues running through her veins, she adds passion and a well-known history to hype a party-hungry crowd.With a raspy edge that adds great flavor, and an unmistakeable twang, Shawnee is unique at its best.

Shawnee performs on the Pride Lounge stage in Paul Kane Parkette on Sunday, July 4.

The House Of Monroe was formed in December of 2006, when a few close friends decided they wanted to defy the odds and make a change in the Toronto Dance scene. We all choreograph and Vogue, so there is a diffrent flavour from the rest. the House Of Monroe plans to storm the the scene, so watch out!

House of Monroe hits the stage at the Transverse/Transmarch official afterparty on Friday, July 2 at the Phoenix Concert theatre. They also perform at the Blockorama program on Sunday, July 4.

With a combined 25+ years of experience in mastering all things audio, Adam K & Soha’s music dominates the dance scene. In 2008, their smash hit “Twilight” captivated the world. An Essential New Tune on legendary Radio 1, Pete Tong set the tone for one of the biggest records of the year. Moreover, their adept skill at remixing has catapulted them into superstardom. “4AM”, “Deep At Night” and most notably “Need To Feel Loved” raised them to astronomical heights. They have reworked singles from icons U2, Tiesto and Deadmau5, and are one of the most sought after names in dance music today.

Adam K & Soha return to Dirty Disco on Sunday, July 4 at South Stage.

Mariko Tamaki is a writer of fiction, nonfiction, and graphic novels. Her graphic novel, Skim, co-created with Jillian Tamaki, was the winner of the 2009 Ignatz and Doug Wright Award for Best Graphic Novel. Mariko is currently teaching creative writing at various locations throughout the city. She is also hard at work on a new book (currently) titled “Freshman 15.”

Tamaki is back again to participate in Pride Toronto’s literary program, Proud Voices, on Saturday, July 3.