An irrepressible rock and pop entertainer whose recent B.C. tour overcame bigotry will launch Pride season on the Sunshine Coast one month early.
Matthew Presidente, a self-described queer-themed pianist, singer and songwriter based in Vancouver, will make his inaugural Coast appearance at the Roberts Creek Legion on May 12.
“We’re doing a bit of an early Pride show this year,” Presidente said. “We want to get ahead of the Pride season, do something with that sort of theme, bring that sort of energy, and perform some fun music.”
Presidente performed in 10 B.C. cities early this year as part of the Peak Pride tour that highlights queer entertainers at destination ski resorts like Silver Star and Sun Peaks. Shows included a drag performer alongside Presidente’s band.
A group of anti-LGBTQ2S+ protestors regularly disrupted their concerts.
“Every show we did was hit by protests,” Presidente said. “There was a group that decided to really make it their mission to email every venue in advance with threats and some harsh words pretty much directed at the drag element of the show. But I was there to protect my friends and the people I’m working with.”
“I tried to make sure my songs were on point, political, strong, and uplifting,” continued Presidente, “because we fight back with love. The support was much louder than any of the protestors we met along the way.”
Presidente has released six albums, launching his career with Things that go through your mind in Math Class in 2001. The latest collection, With the Boys, has been followed by a series of new singles. His track Hundreds Or Fives was published on major streaming platforms in February.
The song is a marriage of high-energy balladry with a classic rock vibe. Full-bodied accompaniment supports President’s infectious, anthemic lyrics. The release will be part of a forthcoming album whose songs describe life changes, personal empowerment and evolution.
Presidente has previously performed alongside headliners such as Ace of Base, Dragonette and shared a stage with punk rocker Patti Smith.
In 2022, he co-wrote and performed a musical for the Kelowna Fringe Festival. He premiered the production — Pretty Package Piano Bar — alongside drag artists Toddy and Ella Lamaroux.
A year ago, Presidente made the decision to dedicate himself to full-time musical performance and recording.
“For me, it was quite a risk to leave a stable, well-paying job to dive into the deep end of being an artist,” he said, “especially at a time when it’s challenging to do so. But that’s very much shaping the story of my songs, which are about following your path even if it’s not what’s expected of you.”
Presidente will appear in Roberts Creek with bandmates Bradley Pedwell (harmonies and lead guitar), Ian Malinksi (bass) and Mikey Chamzuk (drums).
He is also collaborating with members of the Sunshine Coast’s Pine ‘N’ Sandy drag ensemble to enlist an artist who will perform as part of the Legion show.
The upcoming concert takes place at the Roberts Creek Legion at 8 p.m. on May 12. Tickets ($10 for Legion members, $15 for guests) can be reserved by browsing to robertscreeklegion.com.
