This is a list of concerts we are attending, wishing we could attend, or thinking about attending between August 26 and September 1, 2024. For more of what’s happening around Toronto, visit our calendar here.
Music Mondays: The Bohemian Violin
Monday, August 26, 12:15 p.m.
Church of the Holy Trinity, 19 Trinity Sq., PWYC ($10 suggested)
The Music Mondays series carries on, even in the tail end of the summer. For this last Monday of August, violinist Lucia Barcari and pianist Sabatino Vacca will bring a mix of classic and folky favourites from Eastern Europe, ranging from Dvořák-Kreisler, Liszt, and Monti’s Czardas. The violin speaks with a special magic in this repertoire, from heartbreaking sadness to mad, wild, explosive energy. What a great way to start the week. Info here.
Uma Nota Culture: Gran Peña Criolla with Matias Recharte & friends
Wednesday, August 28, 9 p.m.
BSMT254, 254 Lansdowne Ave, $12+
Peruvian Musica Criolla draws from African, Andean, and Spanish traditions, amalgamating into a rich mixture of music and dance. Such indigenous cultural influences have been becoming more common in classical repertoire (luckily for us), and for this Wednesday, the curious ear should head down for a peña criolla, at the BSMT 254. The word ‘Peña’ itself is quite complex, ranging from pity, pain, sadness, punishment, to things of true worth/to be worth the suffering, depending on the context, and this opportunity to celebrate Criollismo: the Peruvian coastal culture, with Matias Recharte and friends, is a nice way to give yourself a mid-week break. And there will be tamales! Info here.
Summer Music in the Garden: The Joining of Light, Arlen Hlusko
Thursday, August 29, 7 p.m.
Toronto Music Garden, Harbourfront Centre, free.
Arlen Hlusko, a Canadian cellist with a great interest in contemporary music, amazing technique, and a generous heart (she’s the newest member of the Bang-On-A-Can All-Stars), brings contemporary solo cello works, exploring the human experience in these times of difficulties — the COVID pandemic, 2020’s Black Lives Matter movement — along with the unbeatable classic: Bach’s 5th Suite. Come down and experience the eloquence of the solo cello — it’s not a coincidence that the cello is one of the most popular instruments among all age groups. Info here.
Summer Series in Trillium Park: Indigenous Sounds Now
Saturday, August 31 and Sunday, September 1, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Trillium Park, Ontario Place, free.
Trillium Park celebrates Indigenous music this weekend with two free, all-ages concerts. Featuring seasoned and emerging indigenous musicians from coast to coast, It’s a lovely way to appreciate the end of the long summer, especially by the water, letting the late dusk seep through the heart, with gentle storytelling. Performing artists include: Jeff Monague (Beausoleil First Nation, Christian Island), Jim Jacobs (Six Nations of The Grand River), Lacey Hill (Oneida/Mohawk of Six Nations), 2nd Line Bluegrass Band (Six Nations), Semiah Smith band (Six Nations), Nadjiwan (founded by Marc Merilainen, Chippewas of Nawash First Nation), and Classic Roots (Thunder Bay/Toronto), Info here.
Edición Pa’ Chismoso Tu!: Sonic Sancocho
Sunday, September 1, 11 p.m.
Drom Taberna, 458 Queen St. W., $22.63
Drom’s end-of-summer session features Café Cubano, one of the oldest all-Cuban salsa bands in Canada, for two big sets for dancing your hearts out. Between the live sets, DJs Yuri and Esco will throw in cumbia, guarancha, and salsa, to keep the floor busy. Do grab a cup of sancocho at midnight— first come, first served. With many regional variations across the Caribbean and Latin American kitchens, sancocho, a rustic mix of meat and sometimes fish, tubers and vegetables, is a perfect symbol for this evening of generous and varied beats. Post-soup, the party will carry on with the Founders, Juana Go-gó, and olasconola, till super late — or super early: 4 a.m. Bring your change of shoes and cheer on this last long weekend of the Summer. Info here.
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