The sun is shining, the birds are singing, and Toronto’s favourite patio, YONGE-DUNDAS SQUARE (YDS), is embracing all things summer! Partnering with neighbour Massey Hall for all YDS summer programming, the curated season boasts an eclectic and international line-up of musical acts and films to run from May 18 – October 12, 2015.
Returning this summer are the popular programmes Massey Hall presents LUNCHTIME LIVE!, MINI Canada presents CITY CINEMA, and Virgin Mobile presents INDIE FRIDAYS.
Massey Hall presents Lunchtime Live! will feature a cornucopia of artists performing from 12:30-1:30pm every Monday, May 18-June 15 including Toronto’s world-renowned Taiko drumming ensemble Nagata Shachu; to be followed by the rocking grooves of West African griot and praise singer Cheka Katenen Dioubate (presented in association with Batuki Music Society), modern Filipino tribal music crew DATU, the electronic mix of tabla and violin in kLoX, and Aboriginal cellist Cris Derkson.
Massey Hall presents Lunchtime Live! returns in the fall with a line-up of artists presented in association with Dine Alone Records, which is celebrating its ten year anniversary, including travelling troubadour Spencer Burton, electro-punk soul-singer/songwriter Brendan Philip, electronic producers, writers and performers Free n Losh, and Burlington’s own power-punk trio Say Yes.
MINI Canada presents City Cinema: BUT CAN THEY ACT? Music Icons in Film for this year’s cult film series in the heart of the city, every Tuesday, June 16 – September 1 at sunset (approximately 9pm). Each City Cinema screening in the Square, will be preceded by a short concert film from the Live at Massey Hall film series—a series devoted to Canadian artists, which marries the thrill of live performance and the intimacy of behind-the-scenes access. The feature films include 8 Mile with Eminem, The Hunger with David Bowie, A Star is Born with Barbara Streisand, Be Kind Rewind with Mos Def, Dreamgirls with Beyonce, Viva Las Vegas with Elvis Presley, Dick Tracey with Madonna, The Wiz with Michael Jackson, Inside Llewyn Davis with Justin Timberlake, and Dancer in the Dark with Bjork.
Virgin Mobile presents Indie Fridays kick-starts the weekend with free concerts every Friday night from June 26 – September 4 at approximately 8:30pm. As the sun goes down, the stage will light up such artists as singer, painter, and performance artist Mx Justin Vivian Bond (presented in association with Pride Toronto), multiple Juno Award-winner Buck 65, self-described beat junkies Grand Analog, 22-year old MC/producer Tre Mission with Keita Juma, South African-Canadian conceptual singer Zaki Ibrahim, and returning to YDS after almost being lightning-bolted Fast Romantics with Kandle & the Krooks. Presented in association with Massey Hall.
And for those on the search for some respite from the hectic pace of life, YDS also transforms into a quiet oasis on scheduled fountain days. And there is always free WIFI for Canadian Virgin Mobile members. Simply select WIFI@YDS and enter your phone number to hop online.
Admission is FREE to all these events at YONGE-DUNDAS SQUARE presented by Virgin Mobile.
For more information and a full schedule of events, please visit YDSquare.ca
