whatever mike (they/them) is a genre- and gender-defying artist creating what they call Hope Pop—a heartfelt blend of alternative R&B, soul, pop, and folk. Their new EP Everything to Gain explores healing, devotion, and queer spirituality, holding space for both light and shadow, joy, and complexity. With soulful vocals and hypnotic production, whatever mike invites listeners into deep reflection and connection. Many listeners describe the experience of whatever mike’s live show as “queer church.” whatever mike has gained over 22 million streams across platforms, toured nationally including performances at Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza, and Governors Ball, and has been featured in national press including Billboard, Wonderland, and Nylon. They have also collaborated with queer icons Shea Couleé and Peppermint (RuPaul’s Drag Race) and will be touring this summer with trailblazing artist Alok Vaid-Menon. Vera Star (she / they) is a Brooklyn-based fairy songstress ✨ Well-rooted in the Brooklyn music scene, the soulful songs she writes showcase her vocal acrobatics, relatable lyrics, and effortless ability to captivate an audience. She says, “Vera is the actualization of my childhood dreams and purest imagination through the lens of my grown-up mind: healing, growing, learning, and establishing confidence that I’ve always known I possess. Vera comes from the part of me that is untouched by cynicism, that is enamored with life, mysticism and with the beauty of the world around me.” Presented by Nublu. This is a 21+ event