This is a list of concerts we are attending, wishing we could attend, or thinking about attending between July 2 and July 7, 2024. For more of what’s happening around Toronto, visit our calendar here.
Elora Festival: Opening Night Gala: The Creation
Friday July 5, 7:30 p.m.
Gambrel Barn, Elora, Ontario. $20+
The Elora Festival’s 45th season opens in the beautiful Ontario countryside. During the month of July, the Elora Festival will feature various groups and genres, of local favourites and internationally renowned guest artists; for this Friday, it starts with a literal bang, with Haydn’s Creation— Mark Vuorinen will lead the Elora Singers and the Musicians of the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony. What a fitting beginning to celebrate all things with birth, growth, and joy of life. A great initiative to book a short getaway from the concrete jungle, for a lovely getaway. Info here.
Lula Lounge: Septeto Santiaguero with Abanico Dance & DJ Trambo
Friday, July 5, 7 p.m. onward
Lula Lounge, 1585 Dundas St W. $13.32 +
Since 1995, members of Septeto Santiaguero have been busy bringing the joy of Cuban music to the world. In the traditional ensemble of guitar, tres, bongo, clave, maracas, acoustic band and trumpet, drums, and two vocalists, Septeto Santiaguero has won two Latin Grammy awards, and will fire up the dancefloor at the Lula Lounge, as part of their Cuban Fridays. If you are hungry, come at 7pm for dinner and drinks. At 9pm, there will be a beginner’s dance lesson (solo dancers welcomed!), and the night will ripen with live salsa sets till the wee hours. Info here.
Latvian Festival of Song and Dance in Canada
Saturday July 6, 3 p.m.
Roy Thomson Hall. $25+
Founded in 1958, the 16th Latvian Festival of Song and Dance in Canada takes place in downtown Toronto all week, from July 2 to 7 2024. Ranging from Dance to music, Jazz to sacred, solo act to mass choir, this small yet mighty Baltic country celebrates its cultural identity with old favourites and new works stemming from their Latvian and Canadian heritage, especially with their love of singing together. The biggest event of the festival is the Saturday concert at the Roy Thomson Hall, featuring 900 singers and orchestra, to fill out this big hall with a big sound. Info here.
Carosone ‘900 — Tribute to Renato Carosone
Saturday, July 6, 8 p.m.
Heliconian Club, $40
Francesco Pellegrino brings Renato Carosone’s music live with Lucas Harris (Guitar), Louis Simao (Accordion/Piano), Anthony Michelli (Drums), and Jon Maharaj (Bass). Who is Renato Carosone? As soon as you hear that catchy melody of ‘Tu vuò fà l’americano’, and ‘Mambo Italiano,’ makes you tap your foot, you will know — yes, that’s Carosone. Pellegrino’s singing is always hearty and sincere, and this would be a great choice to unwind with summer joy in the middle of the city. Info here.
FROM BRAZIL: Alberto Salgado at DROM Taberna
Sunday, July 7, 3 p.m.
DROM Taberna, 458 Queen St. W. $19.38
A Brazilian master who blends traditional Brazilian sound with Latin and African influence, Alberto Salgado brings contemporary Brazilian music, a rich mix from sambas, forrós, to ijexá, to the legendary DROM. Come for the chill Sunday afternoon and feel free to stay on to see what other lovely music happens in DROM- the place is always full of eclectic mix of live music. Info here.
National Youth Orchestra of Canada: Up and Coming
Sunday, July 7, 4 p.m.
Summer Music in the Garden. Free.
Calling for the brightest classical young musicians across the nation, the yearly National Youth Orchestra of Canada program creates great opportunities for the musicians for both musical and personal growth. In this special outdoor concert, selected members of the NYOC will present chamber music selections — do come out on the leisurely Sunday afternoon and share their joy in learning and exploration. Info here.
Elora Festival: Kings Singers
Sunday, July 7, 7:30 p.m.
Bambrel Barn, Elora, ON. $20+
King’s Singers, simply one of the best classical voice groups of the generation, brings an evening of intimate a capella chamber vocal repertoire to Elora. If you have not heard them live, do get there and open your ears to what magic live human voice performance can bring- the richness of such an ensemble in person can be life changing. Info here.
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