GOOD Medicine

12/21/2025

LEAD ARTIST BIOGRAPHY

JIM LeFRANCOIS
FOUNDER, DIRECTOR

Jim LeFrancois is a distinguished producer, director, and community builder who has spent decades helping to shape the landscape of Canadian performing arts. His career is defined by long-term leadership at two of Toronto’s most iconic institutions:

• VideoCabaret: As Ccompany Producer over a 21-year span, Jim helped bring 16 of Michael Hollingsworth’s CANADIAN HISTORY PLAYS to the stage, including the company’s summer-long residency at the Stratford Festival.
• Buddies in Bad Times Theatre: Jim served as the company’s Artistic Producer during a prominent decade-long tenure, championing q***r performance and artistic innovation.

Jim’s leadership and creative vision have been recognized with several of the industry's most prestigious honors:
• Dora Mavor Moore Award: For Outstanding New Musical for ARTHOUSE CABARET, which Jim co-devised with David Oiye.
• Harold Award: Recognizing his independent spirit and dedication to the Toronto theatre community.
• The Leonard McHardy and John Harvey (LMJH) Award: Honoring outstanding leadership in arts administration and production.

A passionate advocate for inclusive music-making, Jim spent several years leading the Bruised Years Choir with Workman Arts, an organization known for its powerful intersection of artistry and mental health advocacy. While at Workman Arts, he co-created the full-scale musical MANITOBA MUSIC with longtime collaborator Rob Joy, which premiered at the Rendezvous with Madness Festival. He also directed the company’s 30th-anniversary celebrations DIE PROFUNDIs: FROM THE DEPTHS.

Now entering the second year of The Junction Choir, Jim brings his "Good Medz" philosophy to Toronto’s west end. With the upcoming Soul Series, he continues his mission of fostering community through the power of song, ensuring that the Junction remains a vibrant hub for local creative expression.

With the pandemic waning, and seeing its safe again to sing together, Jim looks forward to building up the choirs anew while developing new works ON AND OFF YONGE STREET, THE SOUTH and HEARTBREAK CABARET.

12/21/2025

12/21/2025

2026 SEASON ACTIVITIES

THE JUNCTION CHOIR
WINTER/SPRING 2025
All About Amy + Classic Soul Selections

Weekly Singing Sessions, Thursday Evenings 6pm Doors // Singing 6:30-8:30pm
Venue TBC: Final details will be announced earlyJanuary once venue details are confirmedt www.facebook.com/goodmedz

Calling out to anyone looking for a positive addition to their weekly drill…. It’s time to kick-off Year 2 of The Junction Choir. The group is open to all comers, regardless of musical background. The only requirement is a positive attitude and desire to sing in a group setting. This year we tackle tunes by Amy Winehouse alongside legendary soul classics made famous by Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, Al Green, Etta James, Nina Simone, Bobby Hebb and Sam Cooke. The year will culminate with a soul-stirring Cabaret in June!

THE BRUISERS
WINTER/SPRING 2025
Weekly ’Start Your Week Right’ Singing Sessions on the CAMH Campus
Creative types with lived experience are invited to join Jim LeFrancois for singing sessions on the CAMH Campus. Beginning Monday January 26, we’ll meet at the piano located in the public space outside the Workman Arts offices* from 2-4pm to tackle popular selections that lend themselves to group vocals. An art & wellness initiative with a good dash of fellowship.

Singing in a choir has proven to have more mental health benefits than pretty much any other group activity — it’s skills-building, an emotional release, a bit of community and for individuals with lived experience it’s an act of defiance. Says Good MEDZ founder Jim LeFrancois, who leads Monday Sessions: “The act of those with lived experience coming together to sing — particularly in the dead of a Canadian winter — is an act of defiance. It’s akin to us giving the middle finger to all that potentially ails us. There’s power in us raising our voices together, particularly in a performance setting.”

Jim has dedicated himself to this “start-your-week-right” activity, designed for creatives with ongoing mental health and/or addiction challenges, since 2015. Formerly named The Bruised Years Choir, the group has won over many fans for their heartfelt performances about town, including turns at Luminato (2018- 2019), Buddies in Bad Times Theatre’s Pride Festival (2022, 2023), Invictus Games, singing the Anthem at then-Mayor John Tory’s incite in City Council Chambers, ROM, Hot Docs, Lodge on Queen, Rendezvous With Madness Festival, Theatre Centre, Holt Renfrew, Patrick Conner Awards, and many more… Now that the pandemic is behind us, and it’s safe to build-up this activity once again, let’s get on with it, and see where the effort takes us all.

*we meet as noted, unless stated otherwise at www.facebook.com/goodmedz — this is a guerrilla-style peer-led indie initiative for the time being, and we’re not guaranteed the piano will be available, though it pretty much always has been. In light of this it’s good to check in at our Facebook virtual HQ before coming down on Monday afternoon. Unless otherwise noted atop our FB page, Jim will be there at 2pm on Monday to sing
with whomever joins in.

LIKE MORE INFO? Contact to Jim LeFrancois, Good Medz founder at jdlef@live.ca or 437-996-0749

KEEPING UP-TO-DATE: The latest info is posted first at our page: www.facebook.com/GOODMEDZ
We encourage you to check in for up-to-date details. Due to time-constraints, Facebook is the only communications channel we are guaranteed to update in a fastidious type-of-way 😉, right?

GOOD MEDICINE
WHAT, WHY and HOW we do…

GOOD MEDICINE is a multi-disc home to arts projects that sit at the intersection of wellness and the arts — which espouse benefits inherent in the creative process and meaningful connections oft-forged between artists, and with audience members.

GOOD MEDZ is home to The Junction Choir, The Bruisers (formerly The Bruised Years Choir), What’s Goin On? Open Stage (returns Fall 2026), and supports the development/production of new contemporary performance. Most recent work produced was Manitoba Music (created by Rob Joy & Jim LeFrancois), a critical standout and best-selling live show for its premiere at The Rendezvous With Madness Festival. Works in development include Heartbreak Cabaret, On and Off Yonge St, The South.

NO SINGING EXPERIENCE REQUIRED to participate in our singing sessions — all are welcome. The only requirement is a good attitude and desire to sing in a group setting. Studies have shown a greater number of mental health benefits for participants who sang in a choir, when compared to other group activities studied. There was a sense of greater meaning, and of heightened purpose; and it was noted that choir members’ heartbeats would actually synchronize at times. That is the type of connection one might expect to make, singing regularly with a dedicated group.

CREATIVITY AS GOOD MEDICINE AND MEANINGFUL CONNECTION. Choirs, New Work & Live Performance

12/01/2025

A MUSICAL POSTCARD, Three Little Birds, from a fave perch in Spadina Station, some early morning singing for my fellow citizens as part of the Underground Sounds programme -- Can't wait to sing with you all again, come January. Full details coming soon. xo, Jim.

11/20/2025

Hello Folks! This news report sure spoke to me -- and I would offer, on top of this amazing gent's comments, that singing with others is an even more powerful tonic than singing solo! Hear Dick Van D**e espouse the 'good medicine' -- and if you are in the Toronto area, you are warmly invited to join me for THE JUNCTION CHOIR or THE BRUISERS at the end of January. News for both groups will be announced early in December, but I can say now that both will kick-off again the last week in January 2026. Feel free to drop me a line with any questions or to say hello!
Can't wait!
Sincerely,
Jim LeFrancois,
GOOD MEDZ Founder

On the verge of his 100th birthday, Dick Van D**e sits down with TODAY’s Al Roker to talk about his new book called “100 Rules for Living to 100: An Optimist...

11/20/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Am4AE6PfX/
With all the Epstein furor down south, want to put these thoughts forward....my Mom, Bev LeFrancois, devoted much of her professional life to helping women in challenging situations, and because of that I was taught at a tender age what is, and isn't, an appropriate manner in which to treat grossly mis-treated persons.

I have just finished watching this press conference, held by the self-described "SURVIVOR SISTERS", who have been pushing for release of the 'Epstein Files' down south. Though I'd recommend watching the whole thing, I've started my 'share' at 37:37 (dunno if it will work or not), the moment at which Virginia Roberts Guffre's brother speaks on her behalf, as he holds up a picture of how Virginia would have looked at the time of suffering through abuse at the hand of Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell, Prince Andrew, and others she was trafficked to (by Maxwell and Epstein).

Virginia was instrumental in moving this decades-long fight for justice forward. She persisted. She would not shut up, though many tried to silence her. Sadly, Virginia took her own life in the Spring, triggered by the furor that Donald Trump and his associates were newly drumming-up over release of the Epstein Files -- purely for political reasons -- in doing so at that time, Trump was making no mention of victims of Epstein's horrific crimes.

It's been sickening to watch. But is heartening to see that things are now beginning to move in the right direction. And though fundamentally heartbreaking, to witness her brother speak on Virginia's behalf has moved me. Too bad she could not have been alive to witness the day's events.

RIP VIRGINIA ROBERTS GUFFRE -- You fought a very good fight, and in doing so helped many find their voices. Good on you.

MS NOW: My Source for News, Opinion, and the World.Same mission. New name.» Subscribe to MS NOW: https://www.youtube.com/ NOW is the go-to destinatio...

11/12/2025

Just watched/listened to this :: distinct, charming.

10/26/2025

MY FAVOURITE MEDICINE
Singing with others is something I've done since my earliest days, first at home with my Dad leading proceedings on the guitar (think "Bad Leroy Brown", "Jeremiah Was A Bullfrog...", Buddy Holly)-- Dad and I have identical singing voices and he, too, is named Jim/James/Jimmy. My Mom was the one who quite literally pushed me (as I sobbed) through the door into my first audition for the church choir holiday solo; from there things progressed with art-focused secondary and post-sencondary studies before diving into a fairly storied and accomplished career in Toronto's performing arts sector.

It was from my Grandmother, Bertha Cameron, that I learned just how meaningful singing in a Choir could be -- my Grandma lived long after my Grandfather died, and I'd hear her speak of the wonderful bonds she'd developed with the women she'd sing with every Sunday in Melita, Manitoba's United Church Choir -- singing with some of them for upwards of six decades. Family aside, the women she sang with meant the world to her. Her love of music never flagged. I wrote about my Grandmother and our shared appreciation of music (and its power to connect with others, to work through what came at us in our days) with the last musical I created for the stage with Rob Joy, titled MANITOBA MUSIC.

Here are two tunes from Manitoba Music that drew inspiration from my much miseed, often thought about Grandma, who in our last few years together became my closest friend and confidante, Bertha Kathleen Cameron:

https://youtu.be/mABg1ctTrW4?si=1uLfkJv2A58S1wYV

https://youtu.be/qIYXxawIOX8?si=RAgZujOLhO8fHwJL

I AM VERY MUCH LOOKING FORWARD TO STARTING UP SESSIONS FOR THE BRUISERS AND THE JUNCTION CHOIR IN JANUARY.

All the best to you all, till the calendar year turns, and we sing together again. I very much look forward to it.
xx --
Jim LeFrancois
Founder, GOOD MEDZ

"To be part of the Royal Academy choir was incredibly fulfilling. Just the noise you make, and the camaraderie... it is the most life-affirming experience, singing in a choir." – Sir Elton John. ❤️

10/24/2025

Choir/Singing Sessions begin the last week in January.
Until then, Folks 😉.

STAY TUNED FOR DETAILS…

09/22/2025

GOOD MEDICINE
2025-26 PROGRAMMING ANNOUNCEMENT

Dear Singers and Supporters,
Most people would’ve found this a relatively easy decision, but the work undertaken with you all is something I very much enjoy and am committed to. But, due to a convergence of unforeseen developments, the most significant being that my summer dental surgery (and toothless six week recovery period) was re-scheduled for Nov/Dec, weekly singing sessions planned for The Junction Choir and The Bruisers have been put on hold until the top of the new year.

Both Choirs will meet again the last week of January, details of which will be announced at the beginning of December. Planning for both groups is underway, and we look forward to sharing news with you at that time. One big consideration is finding a new home base for The Junction Choir’s Wednesday night singing sessions in neighborhood. If you’ve any suggestions, please — absolutely - drop me a line at jdlef@live.ca.

BIG THANKS to SHOX’S, who generously offered space in support of The Junction Choir’s first year. We a truly appreciate the generosity afforded us as we launched into things.

Okay, that’s the scoop — I will be recording and beavering away ar my visual practice —and will share the process with you over the upcoming months. And I very much look forward to singing with you all in 2026!!

Warm Regards,
Jim LeFrancois
Founding Co-Director
GOOD MEDICINE
Home of The Junction Choir (wed eve)
& The Bruisers (mon aft)

GOOD MEDZ
WHAT, WHY and HOW we do…

GOOD MEDICINE is home to projects driven by award-winning multi-disciplinary artist/producer Jim LeFrancois, which sit at the intetsection of wellness and the arts. We espouse the raft of wellness benefits inherent in the creative process and the meaningful connections oft-forged between artists, with aufience members.

GOOD MEDICINE is home to The Junction Choir, The Bruisers (formerly The Bruised Years Choif), What’s Goin On Open Stage and supports the development and production of new work on an ad hoc basis. Most recent work produced was Manitoba Music (created by Rob Joy & Jim LeFrancois), a critical standout and best-selling live show for its premiere at The Rendezvous With Madness Festival.

NO EXPERIENCE REQUIRED to participate in our snging groups — OPEN TO ALL COMERS — perfect for creative types mindful of buoying their spirits… According to studies,, singing in a group was shown tmore mental health benefits for participants, when compared to a wide range of other popular collaborative activities. There was a deeper sense of purpose and meaning for those who sang in a choir. THE JUNCTION CHOIR is ideal for anyone lookng for a look positive addition to their mid-week drill. THE BRUISERS (formerly The Bruised Years Choir) is a start-your-week-right activity devised for inidividuals who travel hrough their days with an ongoing mental healh and/or addiction issue(s).

PROGRAMMES ARE FREE TO PARTICIPANTS, BUT WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR ANY DONATIONS ON OFFER. If you would like to help, please do so (!!) via Interac E-transfer to goodmedicineTO@gmail.com .

We gratefully acknowledge recent donations from Leanne Wright, Mary O’Brien, Jesse Godland, Michelle Carillo,Laurell Leaver, Ethelrida Zabala-Laxa, Chris Pacella, Brenda Landry, Ti-Jo and in-kind support from 2025-26 Sponsor SHOX’S (The Local Option).

LIKE MORE INFO? Feel free to reach out to Jim LeFrancos at jdlef@live.ca

KEEPImING UP TO DATE: The latest info is always posted first at our Facebook HQ: GOOD Medicine
We encourage you to check in for up-to-date details. Due to time-constraints, Facebook is the only communications channel we are guaranteed to update in a fastidious type-of-way 😉, right?

CREATIVITY AS GOOD MEDICINE AND MEANINGFUL CONNECTION. Choirs, New Work & Live Performance

06/20/2025

GREAT FIRST PERFORMANCE BY THE JUNCTION CHOIR AT SHOX'S LAST NIGHT!!!! FINAL SHOWING TOMORROW NIGHT (Friday) at 7pm!!! Come on down folks, you'll enjoy some fine performances!