THUS LOVE is a band — but also so much more. The Brattleboro, Vermont trio stand together, a bond cemented by their experience as outsiders looking in. For THUS LOVE, DIY is an ethos that reflects not only their musical vision but their very existence as trans/queer artists. From the beginning, the band have lived together under the same roof, designed and produced their own merch, and even created their own recording studio from scratch.

Matthews began performing in 2010 but cemented her acclaim at Lincoln Center as the 2017 New Song Music and Performance Competition grand prize winner. That year she also released two new projects— her album of thoughtful songs on love and life called The Imagineers, and her EP called Battle Hymn
for an Army of Lovers, which tackles social justice themes. Matthews also won the People’s Music Network’s Social Justice Songs contest at the Northeast Regional Folk Alliance.

Queer, BIPOC, singer-songwriter, jazz musician, activist, and educator, is “one of the fiercest guitar players and politically-rooted musicians in the industry today," (Curve Magazine) with her "insanely brilliant" (Press Herald, Portland ME) and “stark, defiant songs.” (New York Times) “Good lord. RUN…don’t walk…to see Pamela Means wherever you can.” -Matt Smith, Club Passim, Cambridge MA (Managing Director) "When Pamela Means picks up her guitar and begins to sing, a listener doesn't forget her. She possesses musical attitude and purpose." - WSHU Connecticut Public Radio

Mz. October May Lay is a dynamic, eccentric, PROUD black Hartford based drag entertainer. This decorated title holder (Chez Queen 2019, Chez Queen All Stars 2021, Miss New Haven 2019, and was recently rewarded with the title Chez Queen For Life 2021) is always ready to perform and giving Black and POC drag performers a stage to showcase their talent. She does all the splits and tricks that will get the crowd going. This trained hip hop dancer is not afraid to be different and extremely BLACK.

Carrie Ferguson is a joyfully queer and non-binary singer-songwriter based in Western MA and Northern CA. Described as “devilishly catchy folk-pop tunes and melodic ballads, exuberantly heartfelt lyrics ... infectious joy” by the Valley Advocate, Carrie’s songs always feature soaring melodies and carefully crafted lyrics. Carrie has released 4 full-length records, including “The Grumpytime Club”, an award-winning album for children and families.

Olivia Nied (pronounced NEED) is a transgender, queer and Audhd singer/songwriter. Her live performances often utilize live looping on multi instruments, and she recently released her debut solo album, "Just Enough" on May 1st, which is available for purchase on her website: www.olivianied.com. Her music ranges from edgy pop/rock, to introspective folk/rock, jazz and R&B and her lyrics explore various topics such as queer identity and autistic joy.

The B-52.0's are a musical supergroup from Greenfield featuring members of Home Body, Old Pam, Pasty Clone, FDOME, and Bad Wife. They play classics and deep cuts from the iconic queer "trash culture" band The B-52's, whose quirky sound straddles punk, new wave, surf rock, and dance floor kitch.

With ancestors from almost every continent, Lily-“Rakia” Chandler's life’s work has been navigating the many nuanced ways oppression affects people and the Earth. Her music is a reflection of that love and liberation in practice. Receiving inspiration from her many ancestors and growing up in the 80s and nineties Rakia’s music is a unique mix of hip hop, Reggae, and sacred chant. With drumming centered around a heartbeat and vocals ranging from thoughtful 90s style hip hop flow to, haunting Hebrew melodies, to traditional Mohawk chant.

This mixed-voice chorus rehearses music that celebrates the LGBTQ+ community.