TBFF LIVE PERFORMANCES - 2
Music Performance: Robert Ball
Robert Ball (He / Him) is an artist who brings heart and passion to everything he does with “a voice that's smooth as silk” - BroadwayWorld.com . Most recently seen in Drayton Entertain-ments successful run of ‘Evita’, in the principal role of ‘Magaldi’. Robert has also appeared as principle character ‘Arthur’ in the movie ‘Christmas On 5th Ave’, in ‘Chicago’ the musical at the Stratford Festival directed by Donna Feore, ‘Treemonisha’ at the Bluma Appel Theatre as part of the Luminato Festival directed by Weyni Mengesha and as a featured vocalist in the Strat-ford Festivals Streaming series “Canadian Mix-Tape” paying tribute to K.D. Lang, Rufus Wain-right and Susan Aglukark directed by Richard Ouzounian and Thom Allison.
Robert had the opportunity to play legendary recording artist and voice actor ‘Levi Stubbs’ in the premier of the musical ‘The Soul of Motown’ at Stagewest Calgary, was cast in the princi-ple role of ‘Brent' in the Steven Page & Daniel McIver show ‘Here’s What it Takes’ which was to have been part of the Stratford Festivals 2020 season. He also garnered a Best Actor in a Mu-sical nomination by PlayBill.com for his performance in ‘Songs For A New World’ at Chestnut Street Playhouse. In 2020 Robert curated a solo cabaret called ‘Bold, Bruised, Born to Be’ for ‘Up Close and Musical’ directed by Richard Ouzounian for STRATFEST@HOME, in 2021 he was featured in the Beau Dixon curated ‘Freedom Cabaret’ at the Stratford Festival - which later toured in 2023.
He has worked with the likes of; Tony Award Winner Lillias White as vocal director - “Funken-tine Rapture” workshop, Carol Woods (Grammy & Oscar Nominee) as Principle/Ensemble in “Follow the Star” cantata, Kenneth Roberson (Emmy Nominee) - Ensemble “We Ain’t Perfect” workshop just to name a few. As a solo artist and background vocalist Robert has been fortunate to share the stage with and open for; Mary Mary, Nikki Yanofsky, Keshia Chante, Mya, Kim Burrell, Big Freeda among others.
He has toured Pride circuits (Toronto, Jamaica, Brooklyn, DC, London ON) and made appear-ances on radio and tv (CTV, Bold TV, Rogers, Sirius XM, CP24, CBC) promoting his solo music a blend of soul & jazz.
Robert went to ‘Fame’ like Toronto High-School ‘Earl Haig’ in the ‘Claude Watson Arts Pro-gram’ and continued his studies at Humber College with additional training and coaching from; The New Conservatory of Music, Gloria Mann - Adult Workshop, LB Acting Studio and Tom Todoroff Studio. Robert began his career in Toronto’s gospel circuit which lead to him being a sought after ses-sion singer working with producers; Promise (Montell Jordan, Drake), Saukrates (Nelly Furtado) and later Ray Angry (The Roots), Jason King (NYU Clive Davis Institute Chair) again naming a few. In 2006 he began what would be a 10 year journey with Royal Caribbean International as a Featured Vocalist and Headliner traveling to over 60 countries.
In addition to modeling, acting and singing on stage and on camera, behind the scenes Robert is a vocal tutorial coach for Sheridan College and a vocal coach / mentor / teaching artist with NIA Centre for the Arts. As well as an event producer for BGMN (Black Gay Men’s Network of Ontario) for which he produced a talk show series entitled “From Our Point Of View” hosted by Canada’s Drag Race resident Choreographer Hollywood Jade, three episodes of which were picked up and streamed on STRATFEST@HOME.
Robert is not only a multidisciplinary artist but also an artist that believes as Nina Simone said “It is an artist's duty to reflect the times…” with that he is an artist who gives back not only in his authentic artist practices but also in his mentoring and advocacy. Follow Robert on all social media outlets at: @RobertBallMusic
Spoken Word Performance: Txnic
Txnic is a versatile Canadian artist who blends Hip-Hop, Jazz, and R&B into smooth, soulful compositions exploring profound themes with nuance. His rhythmic and elegant fusion carries deep emotional weight through mellow, seductive arrangements. Txnic’s meticulous lyrics address societal issues and inner truths with sensitivity. The true intentions of his emotionally resonating creations are to uplift, unify and spark positive change.
Txnic has accumulated over 10k streams across platforms and has been featured on Vibe 105fm and CityTV. He has headlined various shows and performed at venues like the ROM, Nathan Philips and for organizations such as Unity Charity and Urban Arts and continues to position himself as a learner primed for opportunities to elevate as an artist. He works with DJ Power as a Promotions Director and as an Artist Administrator for Joy Lapps and Larnell Lewis.
Txnic graduated from Canada's Music Incubator and other esteemed programs and was a part of the Wheel It Studios program that recently won the Inspirational Social Change Award 2023. He earned a Music Business Certificate with Honors and mentors youth, showcasing a commitment to growth and community empowerment while continuing to master the intersection of artistic prowess, social conscience, and business acumen.
