A Wavelength Summer Thing: Scarborough Edition Recap By Davide Sallese, Assistant, Events & Outreach On Saturday, July 19, Arts in the Parks joined Wavelength Music as it brought its 2025 Summer Thing back to Scarborough for an evening of live music, yummy food, and good vibes. Part of Wavelength’s 25th anniversary celebration, the 2025 Summer Thing: Scarborough Edition was the first time Wavelength brought their programming to the Oakridge neighbourhood. Talking with Wavelength co-founder & Artistic/Executive Director Jonny Dovercourt (a.k.a. Jonathan Bunce), he explained the origins of the non-profit organization’s concert series as “inspired by the mixtape era” with the goal of introducing audiences to local artists from an eclectic mix of genres. With a lineup featuring everything from Ethiopian jazz and psychedelic folk rock to hip-hop and Brazilian percussion, Wavelength hit it out of the park in presenting a diverse set of artists for audiences to discover and dance to! Nestled between Taylor-Massey Creek and the elevated section of the TTC’s Line 2 subway tracks running from Victoria Park to Warden Station, Prairie Drive Park may seem an unconventional venue for an outdoor festival. We all know how noisy the TTC can be—who wants all that interrupting their concert? As the day went on, however, the rumble of passing trains proved a perfect complement to the music, providing a dynamic backdrop to each artists’ act. The sight of the iconic subway cars, obscured by sun-dappled foliage, rolling past as the music played was a constant reminder of what is special about Toronto parks and the Oakridge neighbourhood. As the Arts in the Parks van arrived, the concert was already off to a vibrant start with Brazilian Percussion with Aline Morales taking the stage (a converted shipping container with its inside walls lit up with lights, projections, and animations throughout the concert). Morales, a leading figure in Canada’s Brazilian music scene, led her ensemble in a warm and energetic performance of folk rhythms. With the tropicália tinged drumming and Toronto’s near-tropical weather this summer, I could not help but find myself transported to the beaches of Brazil! Hirut Jazz Cafe’s Ethio-Jazz group was up next. The quintet has been performing Hirut Jazz Cafe for the past 15 years and brought their virtuosity and smooth jams to fans of Ethiopian jazz both new and old. They struck a groove perfect for a summer afternoon, with winding guitar solos, funky bass lines, and suave saxophones, all the while the two percussionists—one on a drum set and one on a conga—kept this infectious jam chugging along. At this point, I took the opportunity to explore some of the vendor stalls stationed around the park as part of the event. Wavelength brought some awesome vendors out to Prairie Drive—with a communal collage wall; arts & crafts vendors; Ethiopian coffee; and teas made by one of the evening’s performers, Dynesti, all for sale. Caribbean Flavah came all the way from Hamilton to serve up some delicious and authentic Caribbean dishes, and I was more than happy to try one of their super tasty veggie patties. Toronto band Beams then played a psychedelic folk-rock set led by some heavy guitar tones. Twinkly xylophone and their two singers’ harmonies shone through the heaviness, providing a sharp and moving sonic contrast. Their cover of Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill”—xylophone replacing the original’s sampled cello—was a hit with the crowd and even inspired some of the audience to sing along. A brief interlude followed Beams’ set, as Scarborough Southwest MPP, Doly Begum, arrived to address everyone—most of whom she represented at Queen’s Park. She thanked the Wavelength Music, all the artists in the lineup, Arts in the Parks (you’re welcome, Doly!), and the community for making amazing events like this possible in the neighbourhood. She promised to continue to fight for increased arts funding so that events like this can stay accessible to everyone. After MPP Begum’s address, Dynesti was introduced bringing her blend of neo-soul, hip-hop, and dancehall “with a dash of ‘rudegyal’” to an excited audience. A highlight of her set was her getting everyone up and teaching us how to ‘whine’ (for those who stayed seated, she even demonstrated how to ‘whine’ while sitting down!). To close out her set, she got us to provide a little extra percussion, having the audience drum the ground on the chorus for her closer “Dun Da Place.” Second-last but not second-least, Montana/Toronto’s ZINNIA paired their shimmering electro-pop performance with a performance from contemporary dance artist, Oriah Wiersma, who in her movements spread tinsel through the audience and throughout the park (a few strands are still sitting in the Arts in the Parks van!). Starting with some danceable and synth forward tunes, Zinnia later ventured into jangly alt-country territory with “Rebound” a cut off their latest album, Dollar Store Disco. Although the pace of some of the songs slowed, Wiersma’s choreography persisted—responding to the band’s sound with intuitive grace. Second-last but not second-least, Montana/Toronto’s ZINNIA paired their shimmering electro-pop performance with a performance from contemporary dance artist, Oriah Wiersma, who in her movements spread tinsel through the audience and throughout the park (a few strands are still sitting in the Arts in the Parks van!). Starting with some danceable and synth forward tunes, Zinnia later ventured into jangly alt-country territory with “Rebound” a cut off their latest album, Dollar Store Disco. Although the pace of some of the songs slowed, Wiersma’s choreography persisted—responding to the band’s sound with intuitive grace. As the sun set, ROSINX, the final act, got the audience up on their feet to dance to a lively fusion of drag, poetry, and electronica. The dark of the night only made the lights and projections brighter, illuminating Rosina and Franny’s neon cyan jumpsuits as their beats got going. It was a stunning, shining finale to an awesome night of music, movement, and creativity in Scarborough!
Activities in Abundance at Guild Park & Gardens By Holly Hebert, Assistant, Events & Outreach On July’s second weekend, Guild Festival Theatre hosted Family Fest: a four-day event full of music, storytelling, interactive games, vendors, and more. Kickstarting the event in Guild Park and Gardens was Nagata Shachu performing taiko drumming and leading a workshop in the Japanese drumming. Gathering a group of participants before they took to the stage, performers in the concert lent out small hand-held drums and accompanying bachi — drumsticks used on the taiko drum. Teaching four different beats to play in sequence, the performers also added movement to the workshop. After 30 minutes of drumming and moving collectively, Nagata Shachu began their hour-long concert. At least 250 people came out to see them, and the show was intensely gripping. Artistic Director Kiyoshi Nagata stepped out from behind the drums in between songs to address the audience and describe some of the Japanese culture represented on the stage. He spoke about the traditional garments they wore and the addition of Japanese bamboo flutes into their performance. Finishing their concert with two especially thunderous songs, Nagata Shachu brought a variety of drums onto the stage. Their patience, synchronous movements, and commitment to the physical demands of drumming are sensational. Night two of Family Fest also stood strong with one show in the evening and a pre-show by Jay9 Dance Centre beforehand. As our Arts in the Parks team finished setting up our materials and preparing for the 6 p.m. performance of Fireside Munsch, we watched Jay9’s dancing from afar. The dance centre brought various young dancers on stage to perform pieces that spoke to their individual character. Fireside Munsch started promptly after with performer M. John Kennedy, leading the crowd in gushing laughter. Kennedy knows exactly how to excite and engage an audience. Telling the stories of four Robert Munsch classics, he had to know what Munsch books the kids before him loved. With titles being shouted at him left and right, Kennedy kicked off the interactive element of his show seconds into the performance. First in the lineup of four was Jonathan Cleaned Up — Then He Heard a Sound, in which the audience was responsible for the sound of the subway train roaring through Jonathan’s apartment. Next came Mud Puddle, which saw Kennedy shapeshifting into a glob of water and dirt. One of my favourite books growing up, and a retelling of which Kennedy absolutely did justice, was The Paper Bag Princess. He captured the gumption of Princess Elizabeth, and his whirling around the audience as a dragon had people entranced. Last but not least, Kennedy performed Mortimer. Perfecting a “MORTIMER” screech in his performance, he passed on his energy to the audience, encouraging all of them to yell at the character to quiet down. And that they did! Whether or not you’re familiar with Robert Munsch and his dozens of books, Kennedy is sure to put on a fantastic show; one great for kids and adults, especially if Munsch brings about nostalgia for you. Although Arts in the Parks couldn’t make it on Saturday, July 12, with a booth, there were some pretty cool activities happening that day. A Giant Puppet Party and Spirit of Africa were two events we didn’t get to see but took to the Greek Stage. The first was a workshop to create your own giant puppet and the second a performance with African music, drumming, and dance. On Sunday though, we made our way back to the park and were there from 1:30 p.m. until 6 p.m., meaning we got to see a lot of the activities present. As we arrived, TiBert et Douzie were about halfway through their performance of Métis fiddle. We came just in time for them to hand out spoons and teach some audience members how to play them on their knee. Also performed by them was a short juggling act. From there, Squirrel Nutkin rounded up a group of kids for a game. An evil owl has stolen an item from one of the squirrels, and it must be retrieved through a variation of the game Simon Says. This was one of three Squirrel Nutkin performances throughout the day, and each time the ending changed based on how the game was played. This activity got everyone who joined involved, and the kids left it absolutely beaming. Maestro Duo was up next with the premiere of their dance performance. Picture this: two conductors show up to the same show. It’s lighthearted comedy and mime with some fantastic lifts and spins thrown into the mix. Using recognizable classical music like Offenbach’s Can-Can, the pair of performers showered the stage with high kicks and haughty attitudes towards each other. Battling it out to be the last conductor standing, tricks were played, and dizzying routines ensued. This show was a blast to be witness to. Catch Maestro Duo wherever you can as the couple have many more batons up their sleeves to share. Soon after, Catch Me in the Kitchen hit the stage. Stephen LaFrenie and Ginette Mohr are the duo that make up this troupe, and they started off their show with a physical retelling of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. This is just one of the classic stories they share, and they do a wonderful job embodying the characters that make up the tales. Using a variety of voices and sounds of inanimate objects, with a dash of French language here and there, the two had the audience encapsulated. Before our Arts in the Parks team left for the day, we caught one last interactive performance: Scarborough Uke Jam. The club invites ukulele players, singers, and really anyone who wants to jam to join for a collaborative concert. Uke Jam organizers have a list of songs on-hand with sheet music for those playing, but it’s more about finding your groove and getting your fingers familiar with the strings. Organizers who lead the session encourage you to do what you can, play the notes you’re able to, and try new ones if you’re up for it. The group plays beloved songs from decades past and more recent years, and it’s an all-around welcoming, relaxing, and fun environment to jam out in. Of course, I can’t forget about the booths throughout the day. From empanadas to ice cream to local shops set up in the park, folks had the opportunity to bounce around from tent to tent and learn a little more about their community. One particular booth I adored was Poesy, a poet who’d write you a personalized poem. After spending a few minutes with the artist and answering some questions, I was given a postcard with beautiful prose detailing a meaningful moment in my life. Family Fest was a wonderous event, filled with different activities for folks of all ages. Among the performances, games, music, and dance, it’s sure enough something will fill you with magic and leave a twinkle in your eye.
The Tweetations Presents: Mona’s Magic Hour – A celebration of Feathers and the Future By Mandeq Hassan, Assistant, Events & Outreach A kaleidoscope of colours and plumage unfolded at Little Ave Memorial Park earlier this summer. A show unlike any other at this year’s Arts in the Parks, the community of Weston got a special surprise in the form of a musical revue put on by the multitalented Fraser Collins and the wonderful cast and crew of The Tweetations. We arrived about an hour before the show, setting up our tent and banners as we usually do – to attract passersby to the arts event of the day and to show off our jam-packed summer of fun in the sun. Upon arrival, I was in total awe of the gorgeous laser cut sign that the Tweetations team had put on the stage. It read “Mona’s Magic Hour”. “Who’s Mona?”, I wondered. I had read about the event and done my research, but this question still eluded me. It seemed like the show (which is also a short film!) featured several different performers, but I couldn’t identify the lead. We continued on with our preparations, greeting our amazing volunteers and showing folks who were arriving where they could grab a seat. As the first performance came out, we were dazzled by the beautiful live voices of the cast – featuring trios performing raps, songs, dances and more. The cast handed out Tweetations branded gummy worms (for the early birds) and gorgeous fans to keep us cool in the summer heat. After an hour of non-stop entertainment, the show wrapped up with an ensemble piece that finally revealed who the elusive Mona was – Mother Nature of course! She greeted the crowd and handed out beautiful tall sunflowers and welcomed audience members onto the stage to sing and dance. Mona encouraged us to cherish our land (and parks!) and to engage with nature as often as possible. She and the rest of the Tweetations team taught us to be grateful for what we have and to work our hardest to protect our environment. Thank you to Fraser Collins and the Tweetations team for a show that will not soon be forgotten! To read more about the artists and history of the performances, click here.
Wonder In The Park: An Interview with Michelle Urbano By Jeff McGilton (please note this interview has been edited for length and clarity) Picture a public park that is close to your home, one that you frequent, or one that you grew up visiting as a child. Now imagine that you are tasked with animating it with an artistic event, and in a way that directly engages the community. What would you create? What feelings would you hope to invoke? Artists across Toronto and its surrounding areas have been fielding these questions this summer through a multitude of events that make up a season of Arts in the Parks. Each summer, through the support of the Toronto Arts Foundation, Toronto Arts Council, and Park People, artists and art collectives pair with community groups to fill selected parks with a myriad of different artforms, benefitting both the creators and event attendees. Hoping to investigate the nature of outdoor arts and the impact they can have on a community, I sat down with Michelle Urbano, the newly appointed Artistic Director of Crossroads Theatre and a participating Arts in the Parks artist, for coffee at El Almacen Yerba Mate Café in Weston. Under Michelle’s guidance, Crossroads will present three offerings in Little Avenue Memorial Park this summer, featuring the work of Animacy Theatre and Theatre Direct, the Weston Silver Band, and Clay and Paper Theatre. To get the ball rolling, I ask Michelle about a fond memory she has experiencing art outdoors. She admits, “I immediately thought about a time where I was on the [Toronto] Island; my friends and I were taking this little path through a forested area, and all of a sudden, there were these giant sculptures and puppets. There was no signage for them, there was no explanation as to why they were there, it was like this secret that you only knew if you took the desire path. These giant, giant sculptures were so whimsical, and a little bit haunting, but not in a negative way, just like, what are these beings, suspended in the trees?” She continues, “When I think about my art, I think about the creation of the feeling of wonder, and that totally had that. It made me think, what are they doing here, who put them here, who are they, what do they signify? It brings up so many feelings, this boost in your imagination, and this excitement and wonder that I think is awesome. Really transporting you into a different world, that’s what it felt like.” Expanding on this transportation, Michelle notes some of the other benefits of experiencing art together. She explains, “Art offers respite, joy, reflection, [and] fresh perspectives. Whether or not you go by yourself, or talk to another human while you’re there, you still had this intimate connection with other people while experiencing [it]. I think community is the opposite of isolation, and anything that can bring people together is healing in that way.” Speaking of art as a communal act, I ask Michelle what she thinks makes for a strong community. She states, “If folks have needs that are not being met, then they cannot participate. They cannot be the healthiest versions of themselves; emotionally, physically, [or] mentally. Creating spaces for people to come together and have their needs met so that they can be at ease together, I think, is community care.” In hopes of meeting these needs, we speak about the inherent accessibility of public parks, and the effect they can have on the art being presented. Michelle mentions, “Public parks, in their definition, are spaces where people go to be free, to gather, to meet, and play. [They] already carry that meaning of relaxation and wonder, so it really is fitting to put free art in and allow people the opportunity to interact with it in that space. There are no walls, no doorway, no limitations to who can be there. Connecting our performances to the park, I think, vitally means that our work is for everybody.” Hosting performances in public parks also establishes a connection to the environment. She states, “We so infrequently stand with the ground under our feet. It feels like stepping outside of life a little bit, and into this really calm, beautiful, green space. That immediately gives you a sense of relaxation. And I like the ability for people to walk by and join in; there’s that open invitation throughout the entire event. And we get a lot of our audience from passersby. We didn’t do it with the Weston Silver Band, but with Finding Home, we had two days of rehearsal in the park, and the amount of people we were able to tell about the show because they just regularly pass through that park—it is a regular route for people, so people are used to going there already. It’s that space where they’re already going to relax, to gather, to rest. So, it’s a beautiful place to put some art in for people to enjoy.” Further expanding on her commitment to inclusion, Michelle mentions a new ‘access venture’ for Crossroads in the form of an Access Box. She describes, “In our Access Box, we have tissues, earplugs, fidget items, and a white board, so that anybody who might be non-verbal can write and communicate with us. Everything in there is free; if you need something, it’s there for you to take.” Audience members sit in the park on mats and lawn chairs to view the performance. Two performers onstage hold a large set of fish bones. Photo by Kat Rizza. We have a laugh when she brings up the hesitancy that comes when offering something for free, and the attendees who are more open to accepting it than others. “Adults are so hesitant around the Access Box, and children just understand. And they’re not there taking a thousand things—like at the concert last week, every once in a while a child would walk up, grab a pair of earplugs, and walk back. No questions. Children just naturally understand this. They aren’t worried about what other people are thinking, who is watching, what it means to take a free thing. I don’t know what goes through peoples’ minds, but it’s very interesting to see how differently children interact with the Access Box than how adults do.” I mention that this might be a result of a culture of commodification, and a subconscious feeling that free things come with strings attached. She replies, “Right. And immediately, that creates anxiety, a sense of do I belong here, and stress about am I allowed to interact with this because I haven’t paid? The amount of stressors that money puts in front of access to the arts is huge, so it’s great to be doing something without that there.” In addition to being a free space for people to gather and build community, we speak about arts in parks as a tool to gain perspective. Michelle notes, “A lot of people say when you have a problem you’re working through, the best thing you can do is step away from it for a little bit and come back with a fresh perspective. I think the arts do that for us. No matter what the art is, whether political or not, transporting you out of your daily life, away from your stressors, away from the difficulties you’re having, gives you a fresh perspective on your life when you return to it. It is that movement away from and return to that allows us to gain a fresh perspective on what we’re going through, allows us to dream different things for ourselves, [and] break out of patterns.” Before heading off for her call time for the Weston Silver Band performance, Michelle brings it back to the importance of art as the facilitator for creating moments of wonder. “There is a connection between our imagination and our ability to experience hope. [In] being transported to a state of wonder, we are opening ourselves up to new possibilities; we can become dreamers, we can see different ways of being, we can imagine the world differently. And when the art is for everyone, that means everyone has that ability to experience the wonder and dream. I think that’s so important, for that to be everybody’s gift.” For more information on Crossroads Theatre’s programming click here.
Celebrating African Heritage at Arts in the Parks By Cynthiya Sri As we arrive at the halfway point of our 2024 season of Arts in the Parks, our city has become a beautiful canvas of diversity and cultural artistic expression. Significantly, the weekend of July 6th-7th, we experienced a celebration of African heritage and arts through three memorable events. Hosted by ICONS Dance Group, African Woman Acting, and Abebe Atlebachew & Team, each event was a vibrant showcase of culture and creativity that defines our community. Kicking off our weekend journey on Saturday, July 6th was ICONS Dance Group at Bell Manor Park in Etobicoke. Led by a talented group of Afro-Caribbean women, ICONS launched their “The Power of Movement” series with a dynamic first session. Participants of all ages and backgrounds got to explore the physical and mental benefits of dance by diving into the rhythms of various Afro-Caribbean dance styles. Starting off with dancehall and chutney, and then continued to Caribbean folk under the guidance of dancer and professor Shelly Ann. ‘The Power of Movement’ was such a vibrant gathering that brought together families, children, dancers, and many curious park-visitors, allowing them all to participate in a celebration of Afro-Caribbean culture within the heart of their neighborhood. ICONS will be returning to Bell Manor park on Saturday, July 20th, Saturday, August 10th, and Saturday, August 24th, all from 12pm-2pm. Photo ID: A group of people joyfully participating in a dance workshop, in a park of green field and trees in the background, led by Shelly Ann, who stands in front demonstrating the dance moves. Photo courtesy of ICONS. At the same time, at Raymore Park in Etobicoke, African Woman Acting (AWA) continued their impactful ‘AWA Arts in the Parks’ series with their third session. AWA brought the community together through a lively Djembe drumming circle, led by expert Karen Lawrence, where participants immersed themselves in the rhythms of Djembe drumming, exploring sequences, harmonized rhythms, and call-and-response techniques. Following the drumming circle, was a Maori Haka dance lesson, led by expert Glenn Cruz, focusing on unity and celebration through basic movements and cultural significance. As well as instilling strength, respect, honor, discipline, focus, emotions, and control as a lasting impression on all who joined. AWA’s mission to empower and nurture artists through cultural initiatives shone brightly and left a lasting impression of community bonding through African music and dance. A group of people in a circle happily participating in the Djembe drumming circle led by instructor Karen Lawrence, on a green field in the park. Photo by Kat Rizza. The journey continued into Sunday, July 7th, at the Prairie Drive Park in Scarborough, with Abebe Atlebachew and his team’s ‘Circus and Cultural Ethiopian Dance Show.’ Draped with colourful Ethiopian attire and presenting eye-opening refugee stories, Abebe and his team of Ethiopian newcomer performers took the audience on a captivating journey of their history and culture. Stories of resilience and hope from different Ethiopian regions were told through their dynamic circus acts and traditional dance forms, accompanied by cultural Ethiopian music. Not only was it a performance, but it was also a transformative experience that united different generations and cultural backgrounds within the community to celebrate and appreciate Ethiopian heritage. Throughout the weekend of July 6th-7th, these events were beyond workshops and performances. They were captivating expressions of cultural history and unity with our community. These three events showcased a rich variety of African arts and heritage and brought together people of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy and learn them. As we continue forward into 2024’s season of Arts in the Parks, we continue to cherish and celebrate our diverse community and the beautiful lessons we receive through the power of art. Make sure you join our journey as we continue to explore, learn, and celebrate the many different cultures and artistic expressions within our city!
Catching Up: Arts in the Parks June Events! By Holly Hebert The 2024 Arts in the Parks season has fully kicked off and events are happening all across Toronto. In these first few weeks of getting started, we’ve seen dancing, poetry, garden stories, and more. If you’re looking to catch up on any events, read along as one of our summer staff takes you through what she’s been able to attend. — Open Jam’s Belly of the Beatz, at Earl Bales Park on June 8, popped off with a dance workshop at the park’s amphitheatre. Bringing in American dancer Popula to lead, the afternoon’s workshop was a combination of his motivational speeches and popping techniques. He inspired the array of kids and adults in attendance to share their moves with confidence. Open Jam’s aim is “to keep the legacy of street dance culture, specifically “popping”, alive by creating spaces and opportunities for exchange, knowledge-sharing and growth” (Open Jam Collective). Keeping in touch with this, the 90-minute workshop spilled into an open jam session where anyone could remain on the stage and continue dancing. Many folks chose to stay grooving while others waited for the evening dance battle that was to come A group of people dance together on a stage framed by trees in the background. Photo by Holly Hebert. Tender Possibilities, led by Farhia Tato, made its way to Guild Park and Gardens on June 9 for an intimate poetry workshop. Although pouring rain was on and off throughout the afternoon, participants said the dreary weather only added to the atmosphere. With two tents covering blankets for sitting, around 20 folks sat cozily together, attentively reading and taking inspiration from Tato. With more to come throughout the summer, “this series explores six themes—Origin, Memory, Migration & Movement, Resistance, Nature, and Rebirth—in a cycle that aligns between the summer solstice and autumn equinox” (Tender Possibilities). Sparking creative thought and using a meditative environment, participants left the first workshop feeling reflective and thoughtful. A group of people sit and stand under two white tents on the grass, reading and listening to Farhia Tato speak. Photo by Holly Hebert. Lastely, Described Toronto’s Hopewell Garden Audio Story took place at Walter Saunders Memorial Park Thursday, June 20. This guided walk around the park’s garden was led by native plant expert Lorraine Johnson who was mic’d up to make the presentation available online. Described Toronto “[welcomed] attendees, both in-person and virtual, to experience the fascinating world of native plants and be inspired by the hope that is cultivated when natural habitats are restored” (Described Toronto). Although last Thursday evening saw thunder and lightning, attendees and artists alike came equipped with rain gear and the audio story went on, with on-site listeners absorbed in Johnson’s talk. After a walk through and around the garden, the sun peeking out every so often, the group found a dry spot for the Questions and Answers segment. With the event being transformed into a podcast after the live walk and talk, in the Q & A, any folks who asked a question would also appear in the podcast. A group of people walk together along a concrete path, framed by plants and flowers on either side. Photo by Holly Hebert.