By the time he became an internet sensation thanks to the millions who viewed his top-tier performance on NPR’s Tiny Desk concert, Durand Bernarr was already booked to headline St. Louis’ WerQfest for 2023.
“We never imagined WerQfest would grow into something that resonates with audiences nationwide,” Tre’von Griffith said of the event he founded with his husband Shelton Boyd-Griffith. The event celebrates the Black queer, trans and non-binary community through arts and culture.
These days Bernarr is a Grammy winner known for his unmatched vocals – and as a reliable creator of “meme-able” moments on social media thanks to his hot takes and quick wit. But before the world really knew his name, a St. Louis event that celebrates the talent and joy within the Black queer community gave Bernarr his first festival headlining gig.
“That’s exactly what WerQfest is all about,” Griffith said. “We want it to be a place of discovery. Years ago, WerQfest was just an idea. Today it is a space where Black queer artists, musicians and creatives are seen and celebrated.”
Photo by Tyler Small
Courtesy of WerQfest
This weekend WerQfest will celebrate seven years strong when it takes over the pavilion of Atomic by Jamo on Saturday, July 11. The party starts at 5 p.m. Hip hop artist JT will serve as the headliner for WerQfest 2026.
“WerQfest has always been about giving our community a shining night to revel in our own creativity and culture,” Boyd-Griffith said. “Every year, we raise the bar for how we celebrate our stories, our artistry, and each other.”
Last year Grammy-nominated Avery Wilson sang the stage to oblivion. This year hip hop will be front and center.
“I’m still pinching myself that we will be welcoming JT to St. Louis alongside an incredible roster of artists,” Tre’von said.
JT made a name for herself with rap partner Yung Miami as part of the duo City Girls nearly a decade ago. The group became an industry staple soon after their debut studio album “Girl Code” dropped in 2018. They are responsible for club anthems such as “Act Up” and “Twerk.” After three studio albums, City Girls announced that they would embark on respective solo careers in 2023.
“If you have been watching from afar, this is your sign to finally experience WerQfest,” Tre’von said.
JT will take the WerQfest stage alongside internationally recognized drag artist Onya Nurve (winner of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season 17), genre-bending hip-hop artist Infinite Coles (son of Wu-Tang Clan’s Ghostface Killah).
“It’s basically a big, Black queer family reunion with joy, with fun and great entertainment,” Griffith said. “It really is just a great night of us celebrating us.”
A dynamic lineup of STL-made artists and DJs like Kristopher Lay, Nyara, Rico Steez, and LaLa Ahmir will also be gracing the WerQfest 2026 stage.
“It started off as a passion project and it really turned from that into a whole movement,” Griffith said. “I’m just so excited that the community has rallied behind it. It hasn’t been easy, but consistency, community and faith have carried us here.”
WerQfest 2026 will take place on Saturday, July 11 at the Atomic Pavilion, 4140 Manchester Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110. The party starts at 5 p.m. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.werqfest.com.
Living It content is produced with funding by the ARPA for the Arts grants program in partnership with the Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis and the Community Development Administration.
