GOOD Medicine

GOOD Medicine CREATIVITY AS GOOD MEDICINE AND MEANINGFUL CONNECTION. Choirs, New Work & Live Performance GOOD MEDICINE
Directors Jim LeFrancois. ALL ARE WELCOME.

Associate Artists Rob Joy, Lily Frost

SINGING as GOOD MEDICINE. Choirs, Facilitators/Coaches, New Creation rooted in Song. An Artist-led initiative that supports Live Performance and Digital Creation from artists with lived experience. Connections made through the creative process and through performance serve to enhance the mental health of participants. GOOD MEDICINE is home to The Bruised Years Choir, The Junction Choir (launches this Spring), Bi-Monthly (ish) Open Stage WHAT'S GOIN-ON and supports a host of ad-hoc projects for, and by, artists with most extraordinary minds. Currently in development: HeartBreak Cabaret (a 'live-meets-digital' multi-disciplinary musical to premiere 2025);. The only requirement is a good attitude and shared belief that singing, and creation in general, is DAMN GOOD MEDICINE. "there is clearly something special about this particular group." -CBC TV on The Bruised Years Choir

“[They] have created a magical project in the Bruised Years Choir. When I saw them perform in September their songs were truly the highlights of the evening. Their commitment and rigour was compounded by their true hearts singing and the whole experience was simply beautiful. I would recommend them anytime and wish them all success." – Naomi Campbell, Artistic Director, Luminato Festival

GOOD MEDICINE is led by award-winning artist/producer Jim LeFrancois, and grew quite naturally from his work with THE BRUISED YEARS CHOIR, which began in 2015 as a 6-week course at Workman Arts. In intervening years, the BYC became a year-round labour of love with upwards of forty engaged artists over the course of the season. Out of necessity, the Choir began working in a wider range of media during the pandemic -- which led to the creation of digital projects and in-person & virtual showcases of art created by active members working in all mediums. GOOD MEDICINE is dedicated to supporting the creation of programmes/work for and by creative types with lived experience. Founder Jim LeFrancois' efforts are buoyed by talented Co-Directors, which have included Sistah Lois and ongoing BYC collaborators Rob Joy and prolific songwriter.recording artist Lily Frost. Singers of all proficiency levels are welcome to join. The goal is for us to create in a positive, collaborative and organic fashion. Our Choral groups (The BYC and The Junction Choir) are musically-focused initiatives with a good dash of “fellowship”. They affirm our belief that there are a host of mental health benefits afforded our participating members. We have won over audiences city-wide for heart-felt performances at events such as The Invictus Games, Patrick Conner Awards (Theatre Centre), CAMH Ground-Breaking Ceremony, Luminato Festival (2018, 2019), Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto City Council Chambers, Hot Docs, The Lodge on Queen and most recently at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre. Mental Health Benefits of Singing in a Choir:
“Singing in a choir can boost your mental health, a new study has found… Choristers stood out as experiencing the greatest benefit … people who sang in a choir had a stronger sense of being part of a meaningful group and there is a suggestion that there is something unique about the synchronicity of moving and breathing with other people. Previous studies have found that a group of singers actually synchronize their heart beats.” -The Telegraph (UK)

LEAD ARTIST BIOGRAPHY

Jim LeFrancois, Founding Co-Director
Growing up, Jim was a shy girly boy with few friends. His self-esteem and social life improved greatly when he discovered a passion for singing at the piano — first alone, and then (with an encouraging nudge from Mother Bev) with — and for — others. He has since enjoyed a storied career working with some of the countries finest artists and essential arts organizations. Most notably, he held a decade long tenure at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre (leaving the post of Artistic Producer in 2009) and as Producer for VideoCabaret, helping sixteen new works find their way to the stage — including efforts with Co-Producer Deanne Taylor to bring Michael Hollingsworth’s The War of 1812 to Ottawa’s Magnetic North Festival and a season-long Residency with The Stratford Festival in 2012. As creator, Jim’s credits include Buddies’ 2008 opener ArtHouse Cabaret (Dora Award for Outstanding New Musical, co-Devised w/David Oiye), Manitoba Music (premiered at the 2018 Rendezvous with Madness Festival) and his current projects On and Off Yonge Street and The South. In 2015 Jim sharpened his focus to work on projects which speak to the intersection of mental health and the arts. In collaboration with Workman Arts, he founded the Bruised Years Choir — which stands out as rewarding work indeed. Jim directed Die Profundis: From The Depths for WA’s 30th Anniversary, where he also premiered Manitoba Music (with collaborator Rob Joy). Jim was an Artist/Curator-in-Residence for the 2023 Luminato Festival Toronto, and is currently developing a new work, Heartbreak Cabaret, which we hope to premiere in 2025. Jim has volunteered his time as a Board Member and/or Committee Member for the Toronto Alliance for the Performing Arts, Workman Arts, STAF (now Generator) and the Professional Alliance of Canadian Theatres. He is the recipient of a Dora Mavor Moore Award (ArtHouse Cabaret, Outstanding New Musical), Silver Medal from the Royal Conservatory of Music, Harold Award and was the inaugural winner of the Leonard McHardy and John Harvey Award which recognizes a ten plus year contribution to Toronto’s performing arts sector (administered annually by the Toronto Alliance for the Performing Arts). Jim is currently an Artist/Curator in-Residence for The Luminato Festival, working on the development of a new multi-disciplinary revue, Heartbreak Cabaret.

Hello Folks! This news report sure spoke to me -- and I would offer, on top of this amazing gent's comments, that singin...
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...

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Am4AE6PfX/With all the Epstein furor down south, want to put these thoughts forward......
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...

Just watched/listened to this :: distinct, charming.
11/12/2025

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

MY FAVOURITE MEDICINESinging with others is something I've done since my earliest days, first at home with my Dad leadin...
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

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BRUISED YEARS CHOIR Led by Jim LeFrancois with Rob Joy Established in January 2016, Workman Arts’ Bruised Years Choir is a year-round opportunity for artists living with mental health and/or addiction issues. The Choir is led by award winning artist and producer Jim LeFrancois and musical collaborator Rob Joy.

The Choir meets every Monday (September through June), from 1-4pm, to work round-the-piano on contemporary selections which lend themselves to group vocal arrangements.

What began as a 6-week course with seven participants has since grown to become a season-long initiative which engages more than fifty members over the course of the year, and we’ve been invited to perform at events such as the Inaugural Meeting of the new Toronto City Council (Dec 2018), Out the Window for the 2018 Luminato Festival, Royal Ontario Museum, Invictus Games, Hot Docs, Patrick Conner Awards (Theatre Centre), and CAMH's Phase Three Ground-Breaking Ceremony. We are currently readying ourselves to appear in the Luminato Festival's upcoming Maadaookii Songlines and our first ever full-scale concert, Bruised Years Choir: Greatest Hits Volume One in June.

The Choir's focus is two-fold: it is both a musical skills-building initiative, and a fellowship opportunity. The Choir is specifically programmed for Monday afternoons, in hopes that it will prove a positive start to the week, ensuring that Members – many of whom struggle with isolation – begin their week in a healthy way, amongst their peers.