Can’t get away to the cottage? Fear not – we’ve got your stay-cation covered with plenty of fun to be had all over Ontario.
Festival season is in full swing and who needs all the hassle of swimming in those cold lakes anyway?
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THE HISTORY OF CULTURE in ONTARIO
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SUMMERWORKS FESTIVAL – Happy 25th Anniversary!
In 1991, five friends, Benj Gallander, Greg Holmgren, Carol Pauker, Rob Sherwood and Ben Stadelmann came together to put on the first SummerWorks Festival. The decision to mount a new fringe-style festival was a response to what was seen as a growing, under-represented small theatre community. In its first year, the Festival was a vehicle for the producers to put on their own work as well as assist other companies and artists in producing their work, which they did on a first-come, first-served basis.
From the success of the first year, it was apparent that there was a definite need in the community for this type of festival. Since 1991, SummerWorks has continued to explore and respond to the needs and wants of our audience and theatre community. Each year there were improvements and revisions, instigated by the Producers, often inspired by feedback from the artists participating in the Festival.
From 2000-2004, under the direction of Franco Boni, the Festival made significant changes in order to further distinguish itself as a unique and integral part of the Toronto theatre community. The most significant change was the gradual transition from a lottery system to a fully juried Festival.
These changes were instrumental in raising the calibre of work so that SummerWorks is now the Ontario’s premier festival of cutting-edge, exciting, professional theatre. It is the breeding ground for the mainstage shows of the future and the hub for Toronto’s most dynamic, dedicated performance professionals.
In 2005, the Festival came under the leadership of Artistic Producers Keira Loughran & Kimahli Powell. Their focus was to continue to build support for the artistic excellence the Festival had come to be known for and to serve as a meeting ground of Canada’s most exciting and engaging emerging and established artists with the launch of the SummerWorks Canadian Pavilion in 2006. In 2007, Keira took on full responsibility for the festival as sole Artistic Producer.
In January 2008, Michael Rubenfeld became the Artistic Producer of the Festival, bringing with him his great love for theatre, music, and his desire to find new ways of exploring theatre as a communal experience.
As the largest juried and curated festival in Canada featuring predominantly New Canadian works, SummerWorks looks to program a festival that uniquely reflects Toronto and Canada’s cultural zeitgeist.
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STRATFORD SUMMER MUSIC
July 20 – August 30
This year’s Stratford Summer music festival features an outstanding line up of artists, including a special tribute to R. Murray Shafer.
Over the years, no composer has appeared more frequently at Stratford Summer Music than R. Murray Schafer, so it is fitting that a special salute be devoted to him to recognise his commitment and his contributions to Stratford as well as to honour his recent appointment as a Companion of the Order of Canada.
For the complete Stratford Summer Music schedule, visit www.stratfordsummermusic.ca
R. Murray Shafer
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BOLLYWOOD NORTH
The largest South Asian Festival in Canada comes back to Mississauga
This weekend the 5th annual Bollywood Monster Mashup is coming back bigger and better! As the largest South Asian festival in Canada, BMM includes special events leading up to a monstrous FREE Bollywood show at Mississauga Celebration Square on August 7th & August 8th.
This year includes special Pan American fusion acts, a bigger KidsZone, more singers & musicians, more dancers and more interactive Bollywood dance lessons.
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HEAVY BLUES in KITCHENER
This weekend Kitchener Blues Festival celebrates fifteen years with a spectacular line-up including Burton Cummings, Randy Bachman, and more local acts than you can shake a tambourine at!
Check out the full listings here.
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THE GAMES ARE HERE
After a fantastic turn-out for all the sport and cultural events with the Pan-Am games, it’s time for even more fantastic events. Get out and support the Para-Pan-Athletes starting this weekend!
Tickets start at just $20!
75% priced $45 and under.½ price tickets are available for those under 16 years of age, or 65 and over.
Includes FREE public transit to and from the event.
Click Here for tickets and more information
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TORONTO GOES WILD for PANAMANIA!
On until August 15
PANAMANIA continues for the entire Para-Pan-Am games! The opening show this weekend at Nathan Phillips Square is guaranteed to be packed, and check out the rest of the fantastic events that are part of the cultural celebration of the Pan-Am spirit!
Audiences have flocked to more than 250 unique performances and exhibitions, both free and ticketed, across Toronto. From live theatre to amazing concerts, art and fashion exhibits – the list goes on – PANAMANIA has showcased some incredible talent, and is definitely one of our favourite parts of the Toronto 2015 games!
For more listings of Free events at all the PANAMANIA stages, visit them online by clicking here
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