Open Sky Dance Ismailova Theatre of Dance invites you on to The Open Sky Dance festival: an exciting, family-friendly, performance event where we bring together dance, nature appreciation, and community spirit. Free for all audiences and participants. What’s Happening: Open-Level Dance Workshop (All Ages!): This workshop is beginner-friendly, while still engaging for more experienced dancers. Enjoy fun moves and stretching while taking in the park scenery. Participate in creating a short choreography to perform in a supportive environment! Captivating Dance Performances: Be amazed by professional dancers from the Ismailova Theatre of Dance, showcasing pieces inspired by animals and nature. Event Details, Dates: Saturday, June 6:Workshops: 11 AM & 3 PMShows: 12 PM & 4 PM Saturday, June 13:Workshops: 11 AM & 3 PMShows: 12 PM & 4 PM Rain Dates:Sunday, June 7 (for Jun 6), same timeSunday, June 14 (for Jun 13), same time Location: Lee Lifeson Art Park Amphitheatre Accessibility: The Lee Lifeson Art Park Amphitheatre is wheelchair accessible. All performances are fragrance free. All performances are relaxed performances with medium level sound to accommodate sensory diversity. Washrooms are on site at the park right next to the amphitheatre. Additional washrooms are available at the RioCan Empress mall adjacent to the North York Centre subway station. We can’t wait to celebrate nature, dance, and connect as a community at this exciting event! See you there! Click here to register: Open Sky Dance! Tickets, Saturday, June 6-Saturday, June 13 • 11 AM-5 PM | Eventbrite
Ironflower drummers summer show This afternoon show of traditional Korean drumming will showcase amateur and professional performers, often drumming side-by-side. The Summer Show will conclude with a workshop for audience members. Although Ensemble Jeng Yi will lead this project, the stars of the Summer Show will be the more than 30 amateur drummers from two community drum groups Performing under the name “”The Ironflower Drummers””, this united group of performers is comprised of people of all ages and backgrounds, creating a truly multi-generational and multicultural performing ensemble. As teachers and mentors, the members of Ensemble Jeng Yi have played an important part in the development of these community and student performers. Ensemble Jeng Yi will join them on stage, creating a wonderful opportunity for students and teachers, professionals and amateurs, to be united in performance. Lee Lifeson Art Park is located in the heart of Willowdale, steps from a vibrant strip of Yonge Street that has many Korean restaurants, cafes, and shops. Come enjoy performances in Korean drumming, learn some Korean rhythms, and then enjoy some Korean food and drink in the neighbourhood.
Tafelmusik at the Garden: Table for Four Presenting Sponsor Foresters Financial A quartet of Tafelmusik musicians offers a musical menu of baroque delights for oboe, violin, cello, and harpsichord. Join us for a delicious spread of music rich with playful dialogue, zesty surprises, and a soupçon of expressive, lyrical beauty. Bon appetit!
Tafelmusik at the Garden: Painted in Sound: Venice and Beyond For centuries, Venice has inspired artists with its beauty and vibrant culture. For composers like Vanhal and Mysliveček, the city offered a gateway into Italian musical life at the turn of the 19th century. It was also during this period that the double bass emerged as a true solo and chamber instrument, thanks in no small part to the virtuosity of Venetian-born Domenico Dragonetti. This program explores the expressive possibilities of an unusual trio: violin, cello, and double bass. Through the elegant voices of Mysliveček in Venice, and Albrechtsberger and Michael Haydn in Vienna, we hear the bass in a bold new role—no longer just foundational, but lyrical, agile, and expressive. The result is a rich sound world where classical style meets daring invention, redefining the boundaries of chamber music. Cristina Zacharias, ViolinMargaret Gay, CelloJussif Barakat Martínez, Double BassThursday, September 18, 7 p.m.
Abundant Gifts of Nature Let’s create with introduced species. Learn how to make pens out of Garlic Mustard, Buckthorn ink, twist cord, and sketch, as we discover the gifts of these abundant plants. This is a great opportunity for beginners who always wanted to learn sketching techniques with handmade inks, as well as people who want to build on their existing skills and use plants in their artmaking practices. This workshop is recommended for ages 8+. Artist Bio: Alex Iorgu is an Etobicoke land-based artist. She has been learning from nature how to create, grow and let go. In her current art practice, she is developing Grounded Sculptures, a series of site-specific ephemeral installations using natural materials and found clay. Exhibiting themes of transformation and endurance, the sculptures will deconstruct, eventually disappearing. Alex’s belief in the power of making and creating is often executed in the context of community, where she has received multiple grants to support projects across many diverse neighbourhoods. She involves the community in slow artmaking experiences, inspiring participants to form connections with the land where they live, before they are invited to explore materials and co-create. Pets are not permitted at this program. Service animals are always welcome. Please note this program is intended for individuals and families. Organized groups should book through the website. All ages are welcome, but those under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. French language service is available upon request. Please let us know. This education program is proudly supported by TD Bank Group.
Summer Jam Concert Series Ashkenaz Festival & Magen Group are returning to Earl Bales Park for the third edition of the Summer Jam FREE concert series, including FOUR exciting and eclectic double-bill concerts on alternating Monday evenings. Each concert will feature a Jewish roots performance, paired with a pop, rock or jamband tribute act, attracting inter-generational fans from across the musical spectrum. Bring a blanket or lawnchair, a picnic and beverages and enjoy amazing music in an idyllic setting with friends and family. Mondays will never be the same! MONDAY JULY 14 Andy Statman Trio (Bluegrass, Klezmer and Hassidic soul) Sam Grisman Project (Dawg meets Dead) MONDAY JULY 28 Sophie Lukacs (Soulful Songs with African Vibes) Tommy Youngsteen (Tribute to Paul Simon) MONDAY AUGUST 11 Lea Kalisch – (Yiddish cabaret) Will Chalmers (Tribute to Neil Diamond) MONDAY AUGUST 25 Neta Elkayam (North African soul meets jazz) Reggaddiction’s “Ganja Harvest” (Tribute to Neil Young & Reggae greats)
Summer Jam Concert Series Ashkenaz Festival & Magen Group are returning to Earl Bales Park for the third edition of the Summer Jam FREE concert series, including FOUR exciting and eclectic double-bill concerts on alternating Monday evenings. Each concert will feature a Jewish roots performance, paired with a pop, rock or jamband tribute act, attracting inter-generational fans from across the musical spectrum. Bring a blanket or lawnchair, a picnic and beverages and enjoy amazing music in an idyllic setting with friends and family. Mondays will never be the same! MONDAY JULY 14 Andy Statman Trio (Bluegrass, Klezmer and Hassidic soul) Sam Grisman Project (Dawg meets Dead) MONDAY JULY 28 Sophie Lukacs (Soulful Songs with African Vibes) Tommy Youngsteen (Tribute to Paul Simon) MONDAY AUGUST 11 Lea Kalisch – (Yiddish cabaret) Will Chalmers (Tribute to Neil Diamond) MONDAY AUGUST 25 Neta Elkayam (North African soul meets jazz) Reggaddiction’s “Ganja Harvest” (Tribute to Neil Young & Reggae greats)
Summer Jam Concert Series Ashkenaz Festival & Magen Group are returning to Earl Bales Park for the third edition of the Summer Jam FREE concert series, including FOUR exciting and eclectic double-bill concerts on alternating Monday evenings. Each concert will feature a Jewish roots performance, paired with a pop, rock or jamband tribute act, attracting inter-generational fans from across the musical spectrum. Bring a blanket or lawnchair, a picnic and beverages and enjoy amazing music in an idyllic setting with friends and family. Mondays will never be the same! MONDAY JULY 14 Andy Statman Trio (Bluegrass, Klezmer and Hassidic soul) Sam Grisman Project (Dawg meets Dead) MONDAY JULY 28 Sophie Lukacs (Soulful Songs with African Vibes) Tommy Youngsteen (Tribute to Paul Simon) MONDAY AUGUST 11 Lea Kalisch – (Yiddish cabaret) Will Chalmers (Tribute to Neil Diamond) MONDAY AUGUST 25 Neta Elkayam (North African soul meets jazz) Reggaddiction’s “Ganja Harvest” (Tribute to Neil Young & Reggae greats)
Summer Jam Concert Series Ashkenaz Festival & Magen Group are returning to Earl Bales Park for the third edition of the Summer Jam FREE concert series, including FOUR exciting and eclectic double-bill concerts on alternating Monday evenings. Each concert will feature a Jewish roots performance, paired with a pop, rock or jamband tribute act, attracting inter-generational fans from across the musical spectrum. Bring a blanket or lawnchair, a picnic and beverages and enjoy amazing music in an idyllic setting with friends and family. Mondays will never be the same! MONDAY JULY 14 Andy Statman Trio (Bluegrass, Klezmer and Hassidic soul) Sam Grisman Project (Dawg meets Dead) MONDAY JULY 28 Sophie Lukacs (Soulful Songs with African Vibes) Tommy Youngsteen (Tribute to Paul Simon) MONDAY AUGUST 11 Lea Kalisch – (Yiddish cabaret) Will Chalmers (Tribute to Neil Diamond) MONDAY AUGUST 25 Neta Elkayam (North African soul meets jazz) Reggaddiction’s “Ganja Harvest” (Tribute to Neil Young & Reggae greats)
T.U. Jazz Fest 2025 The biggest jazz festival for emerging artists in Canada, T.U. Jazz Fest is celebrating its 11th annual festival at Mel Lastman Square on Labor Day weekend. Along with some of the best award-winning artists, over 150 equity-deserving musicians across Canada, and JUNO award-winning musicians will delight music lovers in the GTA.