In 2017, Winnipeg-based Anishinaabe and settler folk-soul musician Ila Barker held a guitar on her lap as a friend confided in her the details of an abusive relationship. Barker sang her friend’s words back to her, softly strumming the strings and turning anguish into a serendipitous self-serenade. Eventually that song became the title track of […]

5-6pm: DJ Black Cat 6-6:30pm: Toronto Kiki Ballroom Alliance 6:30-8:30pm: DJ Black Cat The Toronto Kiki Ballroom Alliance is a for-youth-by-youth grassroots organisation that started from the need to bring Ballroom Arts and a sense of community into the City of Toronto. Founded in 2010 by Legendary Twysted Miyake-Mugler and, Legendary Motha Vixen in 2010; […]

NETTO is a multi-talented Artist, DJ & MC, Music Producer and Founder of Baile Do Gringo. Born in Toronto, Canada of Afro-Brazilian heritage. NETTO has an undeniable ability to create environments through music that transcends borders from Baile Funk, Afrobeats, DanceHall, Latin and Hip-Hop/R&B. “Music is a language that everyone in the universe can speak, […]

Vintage pop, swing, and jazz singer and composer/lyricist Steven Taetz is based in Toronto.  He has performed in venues such as Carnegie Hall, The Bitter End and Rockwood Music Hall (NY), The Rogers Centre (Toronto), Blue Room (Korea), Capital Pride (Wash DC), Hotel Café (LA), World Pride, House of Jazz (Montreal), Ironwood (Calgary), and Toronto […]

“A violist unlike any other” (Stir Vancouver), Canadian Ryan Davis has swiftly emerged as a singular creative force. Davis commands praise for his presence as a composer-performer under the moniker Radia, unifying his extensive classical training with the inspiration of folk, electronic, and hip-hop music. An “electronic Wunderkind” (OperaRamblings), he delights in redefining the viola’s […]

DCR Milda is an achieving 25-year-old DJ of Vietnamese heritage, born and raised in the charming city of Klatovy, Czech Republic. Currently based in Toronto, Canada, within the span of only one year, he has ascendent from a local DJ in Prague to the status of a premier party DJ in Toronto. Recognizable from his […]

Only having hit the streets in June 2022, Trash Panda Brass is a new and exciting voice in the Toronto brass band scene. Having quickly gained a large following, Trash Panda Brass has appeared on the cover of the Whole Note magazine; performed at TD Jazz Fest, and Small World Festival; and recorded their first […]

An evening of jazz with Rudy Ray on trumpet, exploring traditional jazz standards and the music of Wayne Shorter, Miles Davis, and Chick Corea. Experience the magic of improvisation and timeless jazz with masterful performances by Rudy Ray and his ensemble. You can also catch this band at Tapestry Bar in Kensington Market every third […]

Founded in 2011 from an organic fusion of Brazilian and Canadian musical talents, Maria embodies the vibrant spirit of northeastern Brazilian folk music, spanning the captivating rhythms of forró to the expansive sounds of world music. Under the dynamic leadership of Jerusa Leão, Maria has graced iconic venues and festivals worldwide, including the esteemed Festival […]

TDot Batu is a Toronto-based Afro-Brazilian percussion ensemble. The group studies the tradition and fusion of samba and reggae, and performs rhythms that reflect the energy of Brazil. Influenced by famous blocos (street bands) like Olodum and Timbalada, the band infuses their music with the spirit of Bahia’s Carnaval. TDot Batu is led by Mestre […]

With a renegade spirit and luminous voice, Jess Knights can traverse sultry ballads and raise-the-roof-off-the-church soul with ease. Her new album Best Kind of Light, released June 19, 2020, is rooted in revivalist soul with classic roots tones, and brings into focus the moody spectrum of Knights’ classically-trained voice. Called an artist “who can play […]

Interactive pop culture trivia for the baddies! For the full Union Summer lineup click here.