June 2017
Kick off the summer with thousands, celebrating South Asian artists and arts. desiFEST features 12 hours of entertaining musical and dance performances in the heart of downtown Toronto. It gives audiences of all ages and cultures the ability to enjoy South Asian music, arts and culture.
In addition to the amazing talent, enjoy delicacies in the food market, artisans in the merchant market and the ever popular Kid’s Zone, entertaining kids with a popular bouncy castle, as well as onsite activations.
desiFEST has provided artists a platform to showcase their talent for many years now. It has hosted over 150 artists, recording artists such as; Apache Indian, Taz & Stereo Nation, Mickey Singh, Navin Kundra, Zack Knight, Anita Lerche, Dehli 2 Dublin and many more. This year’s line-up continues to showcase a mix of new artists and veterans, who have had successes over the years locally and internationally in the music industry.
Join us as we celebrate our 11th YEAR!!
Website: www.desifest.ca
Time: 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Location: Yonge-Dundas Square
Address: 1 Dundas St. East
Admission: Free
Nhapitapi started playing together in 2008 in Toronto. They played together under the umbrella name Masaisai (Mutamba and Memory are the co-founders of Masaisai). Masaisai had two components; the first component featured the presentation of Zimbabwean Mbira music. The second component had a more contemporary flavor, with a focus on electronic instruments and syncopated dance choreography. Masaisai rapidly became a hit on the Toronto African Music scene, where we were sought after to play at festivals such as Afrofest, for three consecutive years (2008, 2009, and 2010) and Bana Ya’Afrique (2008).
Whilst we continue to perform regular shows, we have also expanded into teaching this art, in Toronto and beyond. We teach Mbira style music and dance as a multidisciplinary collective. Mutamba and Evelyn teach Mbira theory and practice, while Memo teaches dance, shakers and drum. Our interest is to present Mbira Music as a living classical genre, which is entertaining and healing. Additionally, we hope to allow others to access Mbira music and hopefully learn it for performance and other purposes.
Lunchtime Live! at Yonge-Dundas Square every Monday - 12:30pm
Got a case of the Mondays? We’ve got just the fix. Take your lunch in Yonge-Dundas Square Mondays throughout the Spring and Fall to see more great music from artists of all genres.
Canada’s Music Incubator (CMI) is a national not-for-profit organization providing customized creative entrepreneurship training, ongoing mentorship and industry connectivity to artists and managers. Our mission is to develop career artists and managers; build sustainable businesses; and empower people through the pillars of mentoring, networking and collaboration in order meet their definition of success. Since 2012, CMI has delivered 4,850+ hours of professional development, mentored over 400 artists and managers of all genres from across Canada and connected them with 200+ active music industry professionals. CanadasMusicIncubator.com
Time: 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM
Location: Yonge-Dundas Square
Address: 1 Dundas St. East
Admission: Free
Classic Roots brings the sexy heartbeat of the boreal north to life with his unique brand of Electronica and pow wow techno. The Thunder Bay native is an award winning producer and DJ who is impacting the music community with his fresh sound and meaningful collaborations with diverse artists.
Classic Roots is determined to continue producing his own music and share it with the world. His beats tell a story that embodies the bold spirit of the North. Through the inclusion of First Nations drumming and singing in his electronic compositions, he acknowledges the continued resilience of his nation. Ultimately, Classic Roots reminds people that they have the power to realize their dreams.
Lunchtime Live! at Yonge-Dundas Square every Monday - 12:30pm
Got a case of the Mondays? We’ve got just the fix. Take your lunch in Yonge-Dundas Square Mondays throughout the Spring and Fall to see more great music from artists of all genres.
Canada’s Music Incubator (CMI) is a national not-for-profit organization providing customized creative entrepreneurship training, ongoing mentorship and industry connectivity to artists and managers. Our mission is to develop career artists and managers; build sustainable businesses; and empower people through the pillars of mentoring, networking and collaboration in order meet their definition of success. Since 2012, CMI has delivered 4,850+ hours of professional development, mentored over 400 artists and managers of all genres from across Canada and connected them with 200+ active music industry professionals. CanadasMusicIncubator.com
Time: 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM
Location: Yonge-Dundas Square
Address: 1 Dundas St. East
Admission: Free
Town Tavern Sign, York University Libraries, Clara Thomas Archives & Special Collections, Toronto Telegram fonds, ASC08130
Discover the music history of Yonge Street, beginning in the 1950s. Visit the sites of famous clubs like The Colonial, Friar, and Le Coq D’Or, and concert venues such as Massey Hall and the Eaton Auditorium. Hear stories about Oscar Peterson, Ronnie Hawkins, Glenn Gould and many more.
Note: This is an exterior tour only.
This tour was developed by music journalist and historian Nicholas Jennings, and has been known to include surprise guests from Toronto’s music history.
Start Point: 16 Queen Street East (northwest corner by statue)
End Point: 50 Carlton Street (Ryerson University Mattamy Athletic Centre formerly Maple Leaf Gardens)
Cost: $10 donation suggested
Tour times: 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
To Pre-register, click here!
Inspired by the courtyard wall outside of Juliet’s home in Verona, where thousands of messages of love are written every day, love is in the air at Yonge-Dundas Square.
Lock in Your Love – bring your loved one and a lock to “Lock in Your Love” forever! Don’t have a lock – a select number of locks will be available on site to sign and lock in place when you get here at no charge!
Sign the Graffiti Wall – leave your mark by signing the name of you and your love, or writing a love note on our graffiti wall.
Sample Pasqua Romeo and Juliet Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore – join us in our licensed sampling zone to try the wine that inspired this activation. Ripasso is a renowned Veneto wine style, full-bodied and smooth. This wine is excellent with savoury first course dishes or meat and seasoned cheeses.
Facebook Event Listing: https://www.facebook.com/events/1930893830519700/
Get Social with us:
Instagram: @Pasquawines
Twitter: @pasquawinery
#LovePasqua
Time: 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Location: Yonge-Dundas Square
Address: 1 Dundas St. East
Admission: Free
In an emerging music scene where it's not what you know but who you know, Toronto’s music industry is full of talented unturned gems yet to be discovered. It is passionate musicians like Charmie Deller, a 21 year old singer/song writer and performance artist that give hope to the future of Toronto. Currently harvesting her experience by performing at various lounges and concerts, Charmie continues to mould her vision of creating timeless music. As a Haitian born artist, she began exploring her singing gift at the tender age of nine. A trained and self taught musician who excels at playing guitar, piano, bass, and drums. She has performed at weddings, ceremonies, school/community events, Pride events, Honey Jam, UNITY charity festival, Manifesto and Tedx. Her contemporary style of music dances between Rhythm & Blues and Pop Soul. Known for her loving and humble demeanour, Charmie hopes to one day travel the world sharing her passion for music.
Lunchtime Live! at Yonge-Dundas Square every Monday - 12:30pm
Got a case of the Mondays? We’ve got just the fix. Take your lunch in Yonge-Dundas Square Mondays throughout the Spring and Fall to see more great music from artists of all genres.
Canada’s Music Incubator (CMI) is a national not-for-profit organization providing customized creative entrepreneurship training, ongoing mentorship and industry connectivity to artists and managers. Our mission is to develop career artists and managers; build sustainable businesses; and empower people through the pillars of mentoring, networking and collaboration in order meet their definition of success. Since 2012, CMI has delivered 4,850+ hours of professional development, mentored over 400 artists and managers of all genres from across Canada and connected them with 200+ active music industry professionals. CanadasMusicIncubator.com
Time: 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM
Location: Yonge-Dundas Square
Address: 1 Dundas St. East
Admission: Free
Vanessa Lu was born in Congo, and raised in Toronto, but if you ask her, the stage is the first place she calls home. She thrives off of creating real music, in real-¬time and with a real audience. “I love an honest reaction. I love seeing a crowd’s genuine response. Every time I am on a stage, I fall in love with music all over again.”
In the past, Vanessa Lu had performed at many venues in the Toronto scene, such as The Mod Club, Wrongbar, Revival Bar, and the list goes on. She also got the opportunity to have a writing session with Jarvis Church in Los Angeles, which helped her explore her sound a little more. Right after that opportunity, as well as performing in honey jam, she was asked to be a part of many writing sessions, One resulted in writing a song “Dangerous” which was placed in Jennifer Hudson’s new album. Along with that placement, Vanessa co-wrote some songs for other Canadian artist’s, one being Nefe who is also another Honey Jam Alumni who is signed to Universal Records. After this period, many opportunities came, but she decided it wasn’t the best time for them because she didn’t feel like she fully knew herself as of yet.
After a 2 year hiatus, taking the time to develop herself better as an Artist, Vanessa Lu Performed at some of the city’s biggest showcases such as Youth Day’s 10th year anniversary, and Honey Jam 2016 where she blew away the crowd with her unique tone, and powerful vocals. Most recently, Vanessa Lu performed for the UNITED WAY Toronto & York Region Launch, as well as got the opportunity to open for Kardinal Official at the 2016 Music counts event.
Vanessa Lu is now working on new material with a new Producer & songwriter who have worked with many known names in the industry including Toronto’s own, Melanie Fiona. Vanessa Lu leads a new generation of artists by fusing multiple forms of music and creating unique sounds that are impossible to ignore. She is an extremely talented singer and songwriter; her songs exude a realness that everyone can relate to her song-writing, unique style, lively personality and unyielding drive to be influential ensures that her journey has only just begun. This is a star on the rise to greatness, and definitely a talent to watch for. This is Vanessa Lu.
Email: VanessaLuMusic@Gmail.com
All Social Media : @VanessaLuMusic
Lunchtime Live! at Yonge-Dundas Square every Monday - 12:30pm
Got a case of the Mondays? We’ve got just the fix. Take your lunch in Yonge-Dundas Square Mondays throughout the Spring and Fall to see more great music from artists of all genres.
Canada’s Music Incubator (CMI) is a national not-for-profit organization providing customized creative entrepreneurship training, ongoing mentorship and industry connectivity to artists and managers. Our mission is to develop career artists and managers; build sustainable businesses; and empower people through the pillars of mentoring, networking and collaboration in order meet their definition of success. Since 2012, CMI has delivered 4,850+ hours of professional development, mentored over 400 artists and managers of all genres from across Canada and connected them with 200+ active music industry professionals. CanadasMusicIncubator.com
Time: 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM
Location: Yonge-Dundas Square
Address: 1 Dundas St. East
Admission: Free
Play the Parks is back for its fifth season! From June to September, we invite you to sit back, relax and soak in the summer sun as you enjoy free concerts at five different locations in the Downtown Yonge BIA. This season is curated by Canada’s Music Incubator. Join us throughout the week at five different locations throughout the Downtown Yonge BIA all summer long!
The season kicks off with a two hour concert at Trinity Square on Tuesday, June 13, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Everyone is invited!
JUST ANNOUNCED! Check out the artist lineup!
Demetrios Petsalakis Guest Star Performance Gray Matter Laura Hubert SanteriasBand The Dreamboats
Venue Address: 19 Trinity Square (access from CF Toronto Eaton Centre, James St or Bay St)
Themes, date, time and venues for the season are subject to change without prior notice. Follow us on Twitter or Facebook for updates.
@DowntownYonge #PLAYTHEPARKS
For more information and shedule, please visit Play the Parks website.
Time: 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Location: Trinity Square Park
Address: 19 Trinity Sq.
Admission: Free
Toronto’s international multi-arts festival at venues across the city. Featuring Canadian and international works that explore, celebrate and respond to Toronto’s diverse and multicultural make-up, the 11th annual festival opens with Tributaries, a free, large-scale celebration of Indigenous culture in David Pecaut Square June 14; two Canadian-made world premieres; international dance and music; a packed daily schedule of performances in The Famous Spiegeltent – an ornate 1920s travelling pavilion from Belgium – and more.
When: June 14, 2017 - June 25, 2017
View of Music World at the corner of Yonge and Gould Streets, 1975. Photo courtesy of City of Toronto Archives.
Discover the history of Yonge Street, Toronto’s 220+ year-old road and major artery. This tour explores the architecture of 10 key sites along a portion of downtown Yonge Street that highlight its development from a strategic military road in 1793, to a strip of vice in the early 20th century, to the shopping and cultural destination it is today.
Start Point: 20 Grosvenor Street, YMCA
End Point: 60 Queen Street West, Old City Hall
Cost: $10 donation suggested
Tour times: 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
To Pre-register, click here!
Play the Parks is back for its fifth season! From June to September, we invite you to sit back, relax and soak in the summer sun as you enjoy free concerts at five different locations in the Downtown Yonge BIA. This season is curated by Canada’s Music Incubator. Join us throughout the week at five different locations throughout the Downtown Yonge BIA all summer long!
A place to showcase the cutting edge of Toronto’s vibrant Jazz, Funk and Soul scene. These artists have been curated to transport you back to a time when Jazz and Funk were dominating force on the streets. Every Thursday this summer let the dimly lit, dingy, smoky Jazz club vibe meet you for lunch outside at College Park Courtyard.
Ori Dagan
Born to swing, scat, croon and entertain, Ori Dagan is a dynamic jazz musician, singer and songwriter. Israeli-born and Toronto-raised, he remains inspired by ground-breaking innovators such as Charlie Parker and Thelonious Monk, Ella Fitzgerald and Anita O'Day. Initially trained as a classical pianist, Dagan went on to study performance, song-writing, and improvisation.
Ori Dagan’s recording debut, S’Cat Got My Tongue established him as a musical adventurer within the jazz standards landscape. His sophomore CD effort, Less Than Three, includes fresh takes on Elton John, Elvis Presley, Madonna and Frank Sinatra, as well as “Googleable,” his original love song to the search engine. In addition to performing on the Toronto scene, Dagan contributes to the local live music scene as a concert promoter, festival producer and jazz journalist.
instagram.com/OriDaganJazz
facebook.com/OriDaganJazz
twitter.com/OriDaganJazz
youtube.com/OriDaganJazz
Themes, date, time and venues for the season are subject to change without prior notice. Follow us on Twitter or Facebook for updates.
@DowntownYonge #PLAYTHEPARKS
For more information and shedule, please visit Play the Parks website.
Time: 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
Location: College Park Courtyard
Address: 444 Yonge St
Admission: Free
Jesse Ryan & Bridges is anticipating the release of their EP “Bridges” in the summer of 2017. His band; an emerging, eclectic quintet, is poised to take Caribbean jazz out of its niche of ethnic fusion into the mainstream, with its fusion of jazz and Afro-Caribbean music. A true celebration of the cultural, rhythmic and expressive connections between North America and the islands.
Jesse grew up in Port of Spain, Trinidad surrounded by a rich heritage of music. Being the grandson of one of the islands’ calypso veterans, Clifton Ryan, aka the “Mighty Bomber”, perhaps it is no surprise that he has steadily earned his place as one of Trinidad’s bright, young stars. In 2008, he received a partial scholarship to attend Berklee College of Music, and is currently completing his studies at Humber College, Canada. At Humber he has had the opportunity to study and interact with some of Toronto’s finest and world-renowned musicians and educators including Nick Morgan, Kirk Mac Donald, Pat La Barbera, Luis Deniz, Hilario Duran, Geoff Young and Neil Swainson. He has played many of the major festivals and venues around the across the island of Trinidad and Tobago, Caribbean and Toronto including the annual Jazz Artists on the Green’s, Tobago Jazz experience, Mt. Irvine Jazz on the Beach, Virgin Gorda Jazz Festival (British Virgin Islands), Beaches Jazz Festival (Toronto), The Rex (Toronto) and the Jazz Bistro (Toronto). Last summer, Jesse had the distinct pleasure of sharing with stage with New York based, Canadian saxophonist Seamus Blake and jazz piano legend Harold Mayburn while attending the Youth Jazz Canada Workshop, and just this spring he had the opportunity to perform and recorded with saxophonists Joe Lovano and Donny Mc Caslin, playing lead alto with Humber’s studio jazz ensemble. His soulful sound continues to capture audiences all over, as he reflects on his source, God, the Great Musician. Ryan say’s, “I consider myself to be bilingual; music is my second language and is the universal language of the soul. Nothing else moves people like music does”
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/jesseryanmuzik/
Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/jesseryanmuzik/?hl=en
Twitter Page: https://twitter.com/jesseryanbmuzik/media
Time: 9:00 PM to 11:30 PM
Location: Jazz Bistro
Address: 251 Victoria St.
Admission: $15
Play the Parks is back for its fifth season! From June to September, we invite you to sit back, relax and soak in the summer sun as you enjoy free concerts at five different locations in the Downtown Yonge BIA. This season is curated by Canada’s Music Incubator. Join us throughout the week at five different locations throughout the Downtown Yonge BIA all summer long!
Pack your dancing shoes in your lunchbox and let the danceable music of the Americas take you away. Let this feel good cultural music of Toronto make you forget about being at work. Tuesdays this summer at Trinity Square Park will feature Latin, Americana, Salsa, Reggae, and Samba music that will have you up out of your seat and calling in “sick.”
Santerias
Toronto Urban Latin ensemble fires up funk fusion!
The word Santerías represents a cultural fusion where dance and music are fundamental ingredients for healing. This band proposes the use of their dynamic music as a universal healing language. Music that is a mystical blend of old and new world influences and of tribal rhythms expressing themselves in the gospels of popular song. The heartfelt guitar runs along with the beat-inducing electric bass, while the drums transport the rhythms to funky Latin locales. Sultry vocals breathe out Bossa tales that teasingly take each song to a mysterious musical place occupied exclusively by Santerías.
This Toronto quartet, brings each member’s diverse musical background to the forefront of their sound, to expose a funky and energetic fusion called RUMBAFUNK. Some songs bring in Latin rhythms while some embrace a Brazilian Tropicália sensibility.
www.facebook.com/santeriasband
Twitter and Instagram: @SanteriasBand https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbcMzx6A85rwIx_OBJodk2g
Themes, date, time and venues for the season are subject to change without prior notice. Follow us on Twitter or Facebook for updates.
@DowntownYonge #PLAYTHEPARKS
For more information and shedule, please visit Play the Parks website.
Time: 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
Location: Trinity Square Park
Address: 19 Trinity Sq.
Admission: Free
Starting the day off is BRIGHID FRY, still in her teens, Brighid has been performing since she was 7 years old. Having played major venues and stages, Brighid is already becoming a success. Some of Toronto’s best and brightest young drag performers will be showing off what they do best with special performances by Boa, Violet Dreams and more in YOUNG IN DRAG. JORDAN ALEXANDER, up next, is the breakout pop star of 2017. This stunning young singer/songwriter is openly gay, multiracial, and unbelievably talented.
If the 21st century had a sound, it would be THE SKINS. Based out of NYC, this quintet ranges in age from 18-24, and has a sound that is dynamic, definitive, and undeniably pop, with flavours of rock, r&b, punk, and soul. Pride will be announcing a special headliner to cap off the night. Stay tuned to Pride Toronto social media channels for a surprise release you won’t want to miss.
Hosting the show is the brilliant and fabulous, BRENDAN JORDAN, who got his start slaying the dance floor with Lady Gaga dance moves on a live broadcast. It’s no wonder Brendan is now a Youtube sensation, model, and advocate! Welcome Brendan
330pm - Brighid Fry
5pm - Young in Drag ft. Violet Dreams, Boa and more
545pm - Jordan Alexander
645pm - The Skins
8pm - Surprise Headliner
For more information, visit: http://bit.ly/2sEhxRV
ASL interpreted event.
Accessible event.
Time: 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Location: Yonge-Dundas Square
Address: 1 Dundas St. East
Admission: Free
Play the Parks is back for its fifth season! From June to September, we invite you to sit back, relax and soak in the summer sun as you enjoy free concerts at five different locations in the Downtown Yonge BIA. This season is curated by Canada’s Music Incubator. Join us throughout the week at five different locations throughout the Downtown Yonge BIA all summer long!
A place to showcase the cutting edge of Toronto’s vibrant Jazz, Funk and Soul scene. These artists have been curated to transport you back to a time when Jazz and Funk were dominating force on the streets. Every Thursday this summer let the dimly lit, dingy, smoky Jazz club vibe meet you for lunch outside at College Park Courtyard.
Laura Hubert
She's not exactly a jazz diva, nor a straight blues artist, nor just a pop or country singer. She's a bit of all these, but Laura prefers to think of herself as a singer of ""old songs."" That term perfectly describes the eclectic repertoire of standards, blues and western swing that she delivers with such passion and style.
Backed by Peter Hill's solid, swinging piano and his rich horn arrangements, Laura is revelling in the opportunity to reinterpret classics by some of the singers she most admires, from the classic blues of Bessie Smith to the full-throated ballads of Dinah Washington. Laura and Peter now perform regularly in Toronto clubs, in combos ranging from a duo to an eight-piece band. And those old songs have never sounded better.
Themes, date, time and venues for the season are subject to change without prior notice. Follow us on Twitter or Facebook for updates.
@DowntownYonge #PLAYTHEPARKS
For more information and shedule, please visit Play the Parks website.
Time: 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
Location: College Park Courtyard
Address: 444 Yonge St
Admission: Free
Pride Toronto is proud to present the living legends of 70’s and 80’s era of disco- BONEY M. featuring LIZ MITCHELL. Step into another era where disco dominated the charts.
Joining the bill are PURPLE DISCO MACHINE with a deep funk DJ set, drawing upon 70s and 80s era disco and funk; LA born soulful pop vocalist and dancer, GAVIN TUREK, and Montreal’s own JOJOFLORES.
530 - JOJOFLORES
715 - GAVIN TUREK
815 - PURPLE DISCO MACHINE
10 - BONEY M.
For more information, visit: http://bit.ly/2qXnAjg
Accessible event.
Time: 5:30 PM to 11:00 PM
Location: Yonge-Dundas Square
Address: 1 Dundas St. East
Admission: Free
“Drag On” is now the DRAG BALL, with a fabulous mix of new and returning performers. Highlights include Sydney’s favourite drag queen, KITTY GLITTER, serving up a sexy DJ set to get you moving. This globetrotter tours the world over, in her endless search for summer, and ignites the dancefloor wherever she lands.
MikeQ of QWEEN BEAT will take over the decks to keep the dancefloor moving, this time to his ballroom and voguing inspired beats. Qween Beat are immersed in the ball culture of NYC and working to keep the growing culture alive.
Drag Ball is all about the drag. This year the event will include top Drag Kings and Drag Queens in separate segments.
The Drag Ball will end with a surprise guest performance you won’t want to miss. Stay tuned in to Pride’s social media channels for a full release of the lineup and the reveal of our surprise performance.
2-4pm - Francoqueer’s French Rendez-Vous
4-5pm - Local Drag King Show curated by Pretty Munny Productions
5-6pm - DJ Kitty Glitter
6-9pm - Local Drag Queen Show featuring Toronto’s top Queens
9-10pm - Qween Beat
10-11pm - Surprise Guest
ASL interpreted event.
Accessible event.
Before Drag Ball, come join “Resist”, Pride Toronto’s annual Dyke March!
The Toronto Dyke March is a political demonstration of critical mass, welcoming all self-identified dykes to create political and visible space. This grassroots event is not a parade. The women and trans people of our community take over the streets of downtown Toronto to celebrate our power, strength, diversity and passion of dyke experiences and identities. We will reflect on our history, celebrate our accomplishments, learn from our past, honour where we've come from and lift voices that have been silenced and forgotten.
Join us for the post-march rally in Allan Gardens for performances, crafting and even more dyke-community building.
#DMTO
More info at www.pridetoronto.com/pride-month/dyke-march/
ASL interpreters available.
Accessible event.
Time: 2:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Location: Yonge-Dundas Square
Address: 1 Dundas St. East
Admission: Free
YEARS AND YEARS are one of the UK’s biggest and most loved breakthrough bands of recent years. Simultaneously, frontman Olly Alexander has emerged as one of the most talked-about and culturally important young talents. His defiant LGBT speech at Glastonbury and the band’s controversial video for hit single “Desire” (which defied the homogeneity of today’s pop charts) are just two examples of his powerful influence, which have seen him emerge as a voice of his generation .
Dream pop trio, KING, have arrived from LA to share their smooth vibe and soulful authenticity, fresh off their 2017 Grammy nomination. Before that, relive the late 90s with WANNABE, Canada’s premier Spice Girls tribute group. The costumes, the glitter, the accents, the platform shoes...Spice World lives with their premium dose of girl power.
This party wouldn’t feel complete with some of Toronto’s brightest and on-the-rise DJs. Toronto darling and party rocker DJ Lissa monet will be mixing her blend of 80s and 90s nostalgia with Caribbean influence. Getting things started will be emily sbux, bringing you waves of house and commercial vibes.
2:00 - DJ EMILY SBUX
3:30 - DJ LISSA MONET
6:00 - WANNABE
8:15 - KING
10:00 - YEARS AND YEARS
ASL interpreted: 6pm to 11pm
Accessible event.
Before “The Final Play”, participate and soak in the greatness that is the 37th Annual Pride Parade!
Costumes, Choreography and Colour!
Festival weekend’s premier event is the Pride Parade. With over 150 participating groups marching, the Toronto Pride Parade has become one of the largest in North America. There will be unforgettable performances, floats, marchers and all the glitter you can handle!
This year features Pride Toronto's First Ever Parade Emcee
Anderson Cooper / Kathy Griffin, watch out!
Drag performer Miss Conception will be hosting a play by play of the parade as it makes it's way down Yonge Street. With a prime seat, Miss Conception will be providing colour commentary and interacting with our guests as the parade marches by. Expect the unexpected.
More info at www.pridetoronto.com/pride-month/pride-parade/
ASL interpreters available: 1pm - 5pm
Accessible event.
Time: 2:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Location: Yonge-Dundas Square
Address: 1 Dundas St. East
Admission: Free
These annual awards, named for Dora Mavor Moore, are presented by the Toronto Alliance for the Performing Arts to recognize outstanding achievements in Toronto theatre. The Doras honour the creators of over 200 theatre, dance and opera productions annually in 48 categories over six major divisions: General Theatre, Independent Theatre, Musical Theatre, Theatre for Young Audiences, Dance and Opera. The awards in each division are voted on by a jury of eight to 12 individuals drawn from the professional performing arts community. Each recipient receives a bronze statue cast from an original by Toronto sculptor John Romano.
For more information, call Ticketmaster at 1-855-622-ARTS (2787) or visit www.ticketmaster.ca, or buy them at the Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre Centre box office (Tuesday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., or until show time on performance days; closed Sunday and Monday).
Elgin Theatre
189 Yonge Street
Toronto, Ontario
Time: 7:30 PM
Play the Parks is back for its fifth season! From June to September, we invite you to sit back, relax and soak in the summer sun as you enjoy free concerts at five different locations in the Downtown Yonge BIA. This season is curated by Canada’s Music Incubator. Join us throughout the week at five different locations throughout the Downtown Yonge BIA all summer long!
Pack your dancing shoes in your lunchbox and let the danceable music of the Americas take you away. Let this feel good cultural music of Toronto make you forget about being at work. Tuesdays this summer at Trinity Square Park will feature Latin, Americana, Salsa, Reggae, and Samba music that will have you up out of your seat and calling in “sick.”
Laura FernandezLaura Fernandez was born in Madrid, Spain.
She is a singer, songwriter, pianist, painter, award‐winning illustrator, radio host and producer. Laura Fernandez is performing concerts of Un Solo Beso and touring. She is currently working on her third CD Imagination with multi Grammy award winning engineer and producer Helik Hadar (Herbie Hancock, Madeleine Perroux).
Based in Toronto, she is the producer and host of Café Latino on Canada’s premier Jazz station; Jazz FM91. She is proud to be an ambassador for the Latin music and arts community in Canada and worldwide through her work for Jazz Fm. Laura Fernandez has officially been named to the Steinway Artist roster. In 2015 Laura Fernandez was named One of the Ten Most Influential Hispanics in the country, in a ceremony presented by the Honorable David Peterson at the Toronto 2015 Pan Am/Para Pan American Games.
http://www.steinway.com/artists/solo-profile/f/LauraFernandez
http://twitter.com/#!/laurafernandezm
http://www.facebook.com/people/Laura-Fernandez/583626150
http://www.linkedin.com/in/laurafernandezart
Themes, date, time and venues for the season are subject to change without prior notice. Follow us on Twitter or Facebook for updates.
@DowntownYonge #PLAYTHEPARKS
For more information and shedule, please visit Play the Parks website.
Time: 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
Location: Trinity Square Park
Address: 19 Trinity Sq.
Admission: Free
Play the Parks is back for its fifth season! From June to September, we invite you to sit back, relax and soak in the summer sun as you enjoy free concerts at five different locations in the Downtown Yonge BIA. This season is curated by Canada’s Music Incubator. Join us throughout the week at five different locations throughout the Downtown Yonge BIA all summer long!
A place to showcase the cutting edge of Toronto’s vibrant Jazz, Funk and Soul scene. These artists have been curated to transport you back to a time when Jazz and Funk were dominating force on the streets. Every Thursday this summer let the dimly lit, dingy, smoky Jazz club vibe meet you for lunch outside at College Park Courtyard.
Alma SoulAlma Soul is a fusion R&B/funk/jazz band featuring Canada's hottest horn section and fronted by lead singer/trumpet player Marie Goudy. Original compositions and arrangements by Marie take influence from the RH Factor, Electro Deluxe, Maroon 5 and more.
https://soundcloud.com/alma_soul
https://www.facebook.com/almasoulband
Themes, date, time and venues for the season are subject to change without prior notice. Follow us on Twitter or Facebook for updates.
@DowntownYonge #PLAYTHEPARKS
For more information and shedule, please visit Play the Parks website.
Time: 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
Location: College Park Courtyard
Address: 444 Yonge St
Admission: Free
Celebrate Canada's 150th birthday at Canada Days! A citywide celebration, Canada Days presents festivities at four locations across Toronto including a four-day festival at Nathan Phillips Square from June 30 to July 3, and one-day events at Mel Lastman Square, Humber Bay Park West and Scarborough Civic Centre on July 1. The rich fabric of Canada will be heard, seen and felt this summer!
Canada Days is produced by the City of Toronto in partnership with the Province of Ontario’s Ontario150 Program and the Government of Canada.
Visit City of Toronto Website for more information.
Admission: Free
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Over the course of her career, MICHELE MELE has produced five albums of original material, covering many musical styles, often fusing her love for Bossa Nova rhythms and jazz stylings with pop sensibilities and electronic colours to create an upbeat, nujazz vibe. Reviewing Mele’s latest album (“Dream” released in late 2013), WholeNote’s Lesley Mitchell-Clarke writes, “Michele Mele has once again created a recording of music that is as accessible, captivating and refreshing as a perfect spring day…clever lyrics and delightfully contagious melodic lines…relatable, human emotions consistently rendered with purity, honesty and high musicality…”
“I love to hear Stephanie and Paolo together. They are an inspiration. Such sympatico! Such back-and-forth! Individually they are marvelous musicians – we’ve known that, but together they play 4-handed stride as it’s never been done. Brava, bravo!”
Ron releases his 11th recording, but his first all-solo piano outing: RhythmaRON. New and innovative arrangements of jazz standards and original tunes by Ron. The evening will feature solo performances by Ron, as well as duo work with long time collaborator Ross MacIntyre on bass.
Witness Yonge-Dundas Square transformed by 20+ installation, performance, and visual artists into an outdoor visual artistic landscape with the common theme: “Levels,” which features creative and interactive projects of LGBTQ+ artists from Toronto and beyond.
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