Canadian superstar and Love Inc. member, Simone Denny, will be gracing the stage of Flames Central Saturday, September 3rd to kick off what is guaranteed to be a fantastic Calgary Pride weekend.

GayCalgary had a chance to catch up with Denny and discuss life, legacy, philanthropy and her future.

GC: Simone, you have been on my playlist for years! What do you attribute to your longevity?

SD: Honestly, I think enjoying what I do, and being open to the adventure of music have been the key elements to my longevity. I love various styles music. I love to sing them, explore and push my boundaries as an artist. I get so much joy from doing music.

GC:  I have read that you are a very proud Canadian, born and raised in Toronto. What about Canada makes it so great?

SD: I am fiercely proud to be born and raised in such a beautiful and amazing country. Canadians are such worldly, diverse, cultured, open and proud, but yet humble and peaceful people. We are truly a mosaic. We are talented and dynamic! World class! No matter where I tour – worldwide – when people realize I’m Canadian, they react with such a big smile. It truly makes me proud that we are so respected and loved. We truly have something special here.

GC: Have you ever been to Calgary or performed with Pure Pride?

SD: I looove Calgary! Yes I have been many times back in my Love Inc. touring days. I have been to the Calgary Stampede as well. I did Pure Pride in Edmonton, but this will be my first Pure Pride in Calgary! I’m really looking forward to it!

GC: Your philanthropic work is quite admirable: with your assistance with ACT, Doctors Without Borders, and Fashion Cares. Why do you think it is so important to give back?

SD: It is always important to give back. That’s how I was raised. Both of my parents have been deeply involved in charity work their entire lives. We are all connected on this planet. In our towns and cities, in our neighbourhoods, we always need to do what we can to help someone else; and the best response is when they pay it forward to someone else. Keep the good vibes and momentum going – I am always happy to lend my time, talent and image to charity.

GC:  I wanted to ask you about the LGBTQA community and what it means to you. Performing at a Pride event can only be second to none in terms of audience participation and absolute adoration. What does it mean to you?

SD: I love my LGBTQ fans... they give so much love at every show. I have been very lucky to have had the chance to sing anthems that truly move people; that uplift, to give them hope and strength. At times, it moves me to tears, to look out in the audience and hear my fans singing each word with eyes closed and hands in the air. We are in the moment together. That is what music is all about: connection!

GC: What is on the radar – going forward – for Simone Denny?

SD: Wow! I have so much on the go right now.... I’m headed to Northern Ireland, on tour, doing some of my dance hits. And I’ll be performing a full soul music set at the Turf Roots Festival in Toronto, with my band the Stereo Dynamite All Stars, Sept 15th and16 th. Super excited to be part of it as James Bay, Barenaked Ladies, The Sheep Dogs and other amazing artists and bands will be there! I’ll also be performing for the Breast Cancer Pink Diamond Ball as well, and some modelling in between. Life is busy and I love it!