The seventh annual Canada’s Walk of Fame Festival is bigger than ever as it returns to Toronto September 20 – 29, 2016. What began as a four-day festival in 2010, has now expanded to a seven-day showcase of Canadian arts and includes the addition of two new venues this year for the Festival’s concert series: the Mod Club and the Phoenix Concert Theatre. The Festival will also include the return of the three-day Yonge-Dundas Square Free Festival and the Future Legends at the Horseshoe showcase.
“Canada’s Walk of Fame Festival provides a platform to showcase the wealth of incredible talent we have in Canada, from rising stars to award-winning artists firmly established in their careers,” said Melanie Hurley, CEO of Canada’s Walk of Fame. “Whether it’s watching a free performance by a favourite musician, discovering a new band, hearing a reading by a popular author, or enjoying a special screening of a favourite childhood cartoon, the Festival offers something for everyone.”
PROGRAMMING HIGHLIGHTS:
For a current schedule of programming visit canadaswalkoffame.com. Additional programming will be announced in the coming weeks.
Future Legends at the Horseshoe (September 20)
Following the success of the inaugural rising star music showcase, Future Legends at the Horseshoe returns on Tuesday, September 20 and features rising stars of the Canadian music scene. Performers include JUNO Award and Polaris Music Prize nominated international sensation Cold Specks, the multi-talented genre-bending artist BAD CHILD and NEFE, Grand Prize Winner of the 2014 Canada’s Walk of Fame Emerging Artist Music Mentorship Program, supported by RBC. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Advance tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by visiting canadaswalkoffame.com or ticketfly.com.
Mod Club (September 21)
Platinum-selling, JUNO nominated jazz singer Matt Dusk with special guest JUNO nominated, jazz/blues artist Florence K are headlining with an exclusive intimate performance for the Festival on Wednesday, September 21. The evening’s line-up also includes acclaimed folk singer Sarah MacDougall, and Ayaz Virani, the 2016 Grand Prize Winner of Canada’s Walk of Fame Emerging Artist Music Mentorship Program, supported by RBC. Tickets are $30 in advance or $35 at the door. Advance tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by visiting canadaswalkoffame.com or ticketfly.com.
The Phoenix Concert Theatre (September 22 & 29)
The Festival’s country music showcase on Thursday, September 22 includes performances by CCMA Award nominated artist Leah Daniels, Boots & Hearts 2015 Emerging Artist Grand Prize Winner James Barker Band, fourth generation musicians The Abrams Brothers and rising country stars Washboard Union who have shared the stage with some of the biggest names in country music including Zac Brown Band, Keith Urban, Reba McEntire and The Band Perry. Tickets are $15 and are on sale now at livenation.com, Ticketmaster, Soundscapes, Rotate This or by calling 1-855-985-5000.
Presented by Q107’s Psychedelic Sunday, rock icon and recipient of the 2008 Governor General’s Performing Arts Award for Lifetime Artistic Achievement Michel Pagliaro will return to a Toronto stage for the first time in more than 30 years on Thursday, September 29 to close out the Festival. Special guest, JUNO Award winning musician Tomi Swick will open the show. Tickets are on sale now and range in price from $10.70 – $25 (plus service charges). Tickets can be purchased at livenation.com, Ticketmaster, Soundscapes, Rotate This or by calling 1-855-985-5000.
Yonge-Dundas Square Free Festival (September 23-25)
Taking place September 23 – 25 at Yonge-Dundas Square, the jam-packed Free Festival line up has an exciting mix of programming including live music, book readings, dance performances, film and television screenings and sports activations including an autograph signing with Toronto Maple Leafs alumni. There will also be lunchtime workouts with Goodlife Fitness, food trucks and tons of giveaways.
Comedian Johnny Gardhouse will once again host the Free Festival and musical performances include JUNO Award winning hip hop artist Classified; JUNO nominated folk rockers Great Lake Swimmers; hockey player turned musician Jonathan Roy, who is mentored by 2016 Canada’s Walk of Fame Inductee Corey Hart; psychedelic rock group Black Mountain, who are on the 2016 Polaris Music Prize shortlist; rock outfit Zeus; world music group Delhi 2 Dublin, who are known for their signature fusion of many genres; and rising star Top5, who captured Drake’s attention and received a shout out on Views and also played OVO Fest. Plus the seven finalists of this year’s Emerging Artist Music Mentorship Program, supported by RBC, will take the stage.
A Saturday morning throwback on September 24 will bring some nostalgia to the Festival with screenings of popular cartoons and children’s television shows from the 1960s-1980s. Mitch Markowitz, the only surviving member of The Hilarious House of Frightenstein, will do a special introduction to the show and meet with fans.
Funding for the festival is provided in part by the Government of Canada through the Canada Arts Presentation Fund, which has the objective to give Canadians access to a variety of professional artistic experiences in their communities.
In addition, financial support is also provided by the Government of Ontario through Celebrate Ontario and the Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Corporation.
Canada’s Walk of Fame gratefully acknowledges the support of our 2016 National Sponsors: Cineplex Entertainment, NBCUniversal, Slaight Communications and Air Canada.
For information about the Festival and Canada’s Walk of Fame, visit canadaswalkoffame.com
